Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) Apex Program

The Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) Apex Program works with first responders across the country to ensure the technology they use while responding to an emergency keeps them better protected, connected and fully aware.

Watch the Next Generation First Responder II Video

When a bomb explodes in a public building, local enforcement, fire service and emergency medical personnel respond using communications technologies envisioned by S&T’s Next Generation First Responder program. The video demonstrates how these technologies will enable responders to better coordinate their efforts to save lives during critical incidents.

Participate in Our Current Projects

Integration Demonstrations
Through Integration Demonstrations, we have integrated DHS-developed technology with technologies that are commercially available for first responders, creating a standards-based “plug‑and‑play” environment.
Next Generation First Responder Integration Handbook
We have collaborated with first responders, public safety agencies and industry to provide recommendations on the design and development of interoperable first responder technologies.

Integration
Demonstrations
Integration
Handbook
Jamming
Exercises

About NGFR

The Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) Apex Program is a five-year program that began in January 2015 but is part of a longer-term Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) commitment to envision and assist the responder of the future. NGFR continually collaborates with first responders across the nation on various projects -- from developing program requirements to testing prototypes of technology. These cutting-edge technologies will improve emergency response time and accelerate decision-making to save more lives.

NGFR is comprised of more than 40 research and development projects geared towards making responders better protected, connected and fully aware. NGFR will incrementally deliver these capabilities over the program cycle and will continue to partner with first responders to test and evaluate technologies before they are available on the market.

News

Fact Sheets and Videos

Future of First Response: System Summary

Law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical technicians are facing challenges today that no one envisioned fifteen years ago. DHS S&T’s Next Generation First Responder program Responder Technology Alliance is working to anticipate responder needs five, 10, even 15 years from now and develop integrated solutions. This video highlights future tech and how it will all work together to make responders better protected, connected and fully aware.

Future of First Response: Vision for Emergency Medical Services

DHS S&T shows a glimpse of some of potential future technologies, like a light breathable layer to protect from gunshots that will help the emergency medical technician of the future.

Future of First Response: Vision for Firefighting

DHS S&T shows a glimpse of some of potential future technologies, like lighter turnout gear that protects from toxins as well as heat, and integrated communications and safety devices that will help the firefighter of the future be better protected, connected and fully aware.

Future of First Response: Vision for Police

DHS S&T shows a glimpse of some of potential future technologies, like sensors that monitor health status and location, and augmented reality glasses that will help the law enforcement officer of the future.

For other S&T fact sheets and videos, visit the First Responders Fact Sheets and First Responder Videos pages.