Case Studies

In today's rapidly evolving emergency response landscape, fire departments face increasing pressure to make the right technology investments. With numerous software solutions competing for attention, chiefs and technology officers must carefully evaluate which platform will best serve their department's specific needs while providing the best return on investment.

This comprehensive comparison examines three leading emergency response software solutions: StreetWise CADlink, First Due, and Tablet Command. We'll focus particularly on integration capabilities—arguably the most critical factor in determining long-term software success in the fire service.

Fire chiefs across the country face mounting pressure to justify every budget decision while simultaneously improving response times, enhancing firefighter safety, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Modern Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) solutions represent one of the most cost-effective technology investments available to fire departments today, with comprehensive systems typically paying for themselves within 18 months through measurable operational improvements and cost savings.

Spokane Fire Protection District 8 serves a population of 24,000 residents across a 110-square-mile area with four stations and 50 members. The department responds to approximately 4,500 calls annually, with emergency medical services (EMS) comprising the majority of their responses. While they operate within district boundaries, they also participate in closest-unit AVL auto-aid agreements with the City of Spokane and Spokane Valley Fire Department, effectively expanding their operational footprint. The department currently maintains an ISO rating of 4.

"We cover 110 square miles in the District; however, we do closest unit AVL auto aid with the City of Spokane and the Spokane Valley Fire Department, so our response area is bigger than the District borders," explains Fire Captain Jeffrey P. Wainwright of B-Shift at Spokane County Fire District 8.

The Forest City, NC Fire Rescue is located about an hour west of Charlotte and just 20 minutes north of the South Carolina state line. The department that has a class 4 ISO rating and responds to alarms within two minutes of receipt has been using StreetWise software almost since its inception.

Chief Ferrell Hamrick has been with the Forest City Fire Department for over 25 years. We spoke to him about the StreetWise all-in-one solution they use in the department.