Broward County has expanded its regional pre-fire planning capabilities with the addition of seven new fire rescue agencies to its First Due Regional Pre-Fire Planning System, officials announced.
The County’s Office of Regional Communications and Technology confirmed that the latest onboarding brings the total number of participating agencies to 14, marking a significant step toward a unified, countywide emergency response platform.
In November 2024, Broward County assumed full contractual, maintenance and support responsibilities for the First Due system, centralising oversight of the platform and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Since then, the system has provided fire rescue teams with real-time access to critical building and operational data to support faster and safer emergency responses.
The newly onboarded agencies are Hollywood, Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, Margate, North Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue. They join existing participants, including Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue, along with Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Oakland Park, Sunrise and Tamarac.
Officials say the platform enhances coordination across jurisdictions, allowing mutual aid units to seamlessly share data during emergency operations.
Key features of the system include access to building diagrams, hydrant locations, hazardous material data, occupancy details and inspection histories. It also integrates advanced GIS mapping layers, including streets, parcels and water systems, alongside GPS-enabled mobile access for responders in the field.
The cloud-based system is designed to improve response times and operational efficiency by standardising workflows and ensuring that fire personnel can access mission-critical information from any internet-enabled device.
Authorities say the initiative also supports Broward County’s Closest Unit Response strategy, which prioritises dispatching the nearest available unit regardless of jurisdiction.
The expansion is part of broader upgrades to the County’s Regional Public Safety Communications System, aimed at improving connectivity and coordination among first responders.
The County has entered into a five-year technology agreement with Locality Media, Inc., operating as First Due, valued at US$1.525 million. This includes subscription costs, system setup and ongoing support. Initial onboarding costs for participating agencies in the first year totalled nearly US$130,000, with additional investments planned as the system continues to expand.
Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen said the rollout represents a major advancement in public safety infrastructure.
“This expansion marks a major milestone in our commitment to public safety. By bringing seven new agencies onto the First Due platform, we have enhanced public safety while ensuring that every firefighter in Broward County has access to the tools and information needed to protect our lives and property,” he said.
