CISA Releases “An Extraordinary Day” Video Highlighting Mutual Aid

On May 2, 2018, a series of fires broke out in Fairfax County, Virginia, requiring significant mutual aid assistance from Fire and Rescue Department (FXCO FRD) units. Multiple jurisdictions responded to the scene to fight these fires, rescue those affected, and restore order.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in partnership with SAFECOM created the “An Extraordinary Day” video to capture the gravity of the incidents and highlight the success of the response operations as a result of authorized, interoperable communications. In-person interviews with the men and women on duty that day—ranging from dispatch personnel to incident commanders—provide an exclusive look into critical factors supporting communications, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), technology advancements, mutual aid agreements, and much more.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to FXCO FRD and all the personnel who shared their experiences that extraordinary day and provided insight into what others need to do to ensure successful interoperable communications.

For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov/safecom.