Tablet Command: A New Era of Fire Response with Connected Intelligence

Tablet Command is a game changer in incident response, unlocking a level of situational awareness and collaboration among fire agencies that’s never been possible before. Its mobile incident command and response solution outweighs the outdated mobile data terminals, enabling faster notifications, customized maps, and streamlined incident management.

A hallmark is its shared vehicle location and incident-sharing features. Built by firefighters for firefighters, these innovations break down communication barriers. Units in transit to an incident can now access the real-time location of other vehicles, view assigned resources, analyze incident maps with infrared satellite data, and review dispatch notes. The added layer of information empowers fire professionals to respond faster, collaborate better, and be aware of the site long before arriving on scene.

“Our solution has changed the game in mutual aid incidents, significantly enhancing the coordination of agencies,” says William Pigeon, CEO & co-founder.

Pigeon and his co-founder Andy Bozzo have lived the problems they aim to solve. The insider perspective of these fire service veterans allows them to anticipate needs and create solutions that address the realities of emergency response.

Individual Situational Awareness to Shared Awareness

Every new feature of the solution is built with firefighters in mind. The distinctive shared vehicle location data allows agencies to share the real-time locations of their units with other Tablet Command customers. Traditionally, fire units and chief officers only had access to their agency’s vehicle locations. By sharing this data, they gain an increased visibility of available resources and their exact positioning, enhancing efficiency and response times.

Incident sharing revolutionizes information sharing among emergency response agencies. Previously, agencies needed CAD-to-CAD integration between multiple communication centers to share incident details—a complex and often impractical solution due to costs and the multitude of integrations required. By working directly with CAD vendors, Tablet Command enables real-time transmission of call information, allowing personnel to receive updates once an incident is confirmed. This ensures first responders are notified even before station alerting systems activate, leading to faster response times and more efficient mobilization.

When the Los Angeles fires broke out, Tablet Command proved invaluable. A senior chief officer requested 25 to 50 strike teams—a request that would typically relay through multiple communication centers before resources were dispatched. With Tablet Command, the incident commander could track real-time vehicle locations, allowing for precise planning of resource deployment.

Similarly, during the 2018 Carr Fire in Northern California, a fire tornado created near-zero visibility conditions. A strike team of five engines was operating in the area when one engine got separated while assisting civilians. Lost in the chaos, the crew radioed for help, and the battalion chief, using Tablet Command, immediately located them. Guiding them via radio, he directed them just a quarter mile forward to a safety zone, a move the crew later said was the difference between life and death.

Bringing Every Responder onto the Same Page

Tablet Command levels the playing field in situational awareness, ensuring everyone—from captains to firefighters in the back of a vehicle—has access to the same critical information.

For individual firefighters, it offers immediate access to relevant incident notifications based on their role. Alerts appear on their devices before formal dispatch occurs, allowing them to prepare for the response.

Chief officers benefit from real-time access to incident details, including mapping, unit assignments, and highlighted critical information such as hazardous conditions and safety warnings. The ability to view live updates enhances decision-making and enables a more coordinated response.

Incident commanders gain a standardized digital platform that replaces traditional paper-based methods. They can dynamically assign resources, track unit statuses, and adjust strategies using a drag-and-drop interface. All response teams, including those arriving later, can have immediate visibility into the evolving situation, improving coordination.

Mutual aid responders and external agencies can seamlessly integrate into an ongoing operation with full awareness of the incident’s progress, resource assignments, and key tactical decisions. The transparency eliminates barriers to coordination, enabling a more effective multi-agency response.

Beyond delivering software, Tablet Command is committed to building lasting client relationships. With over half of its team coming from public safety backgrounds, the company has in-depth knowledge of operations and the challenges of procurement and budgeting. Acting as a true partner, it provides real-world solutions and support, even outside the scope of its platform.

Tablet Command continuously enhances its platform to support every stage of emergency response. It is gaining growing interest from law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services, ushering in an era of seamless cross-disciplinary communication. The result is a new standard in emergency coordination, where agencies respond, communicate, and save lives together.