WFCA Tech University Webinar Series: Bridging Technology and the Fire Service
The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA), funded by a grant from the Google AI Collaborative, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Fire Tech University Webinar Series. This exciting series is the first step in a multi-year project aimed at improving the technical fluency Fire Service. Our goal is to break down technology knowledge barriers, and increase the data and technology maturity within the fire service, providing educational information and baseline knowledge for fire service decision-makers, chief officers, and aspiring leaders, while empowering them to make informed technology decisions.
Webinar 1: Tablet Command – Choosing the Right Tools
Hosted by Matt Portteus of the WFCA, the first webinar featured Tablet Command representatives CEO Will Pigeon, Vice President Jake Phelps, and Deputy Chief Josh Janssen. The discussion explored how data integration and digital incident management improve accountability, situational awareness, and safety on the fireground.
Tablet Command was born from tragedy after a 2007 Contra Costa County incident that resulted in firefighter fatalities. In response, Pigeon and its co-founders developed a digital command platform to enhance real-time accountability and communication. The system now supports over 1,500 agencies and 50,000 users across North America, managing more than 220,000 incidents annually.
Technology and Impact
The platform replaces traditional whiteboards and paper tracking with an iPad-based interface that provides real-time notifications, live data sharing, and customized deployment for each agency. It integrates with CAD systems, mapping tools, and staffing databases to present a unified operational view.
Deputy Chief Janssen highlighted the transition from manual methods to digital systems, emphasizing the benefits of accessibility, accuracy, and shared situational awareness. Phelps underscored the “4x rule,” noting that technology should deliver at least four times the value of analog methods to justify adoption.
A case study from the Sacramento Fire Department illustrated how Tablet Command improved regional accountability and coordination. Integration with FireMapper allowed commanders to annotate maps and share aerial images in real time, directly influencing tactical decisions during complex incidents.
Integration and Innovation
Tablet Command’s strength lies in its real-time data exchange through secure API connections with CAD networks, ensuring near-instant updates on unit status and incident progression. Additional integrations—such as FireMapper, Genesis evacuation zones, Fire Aside parcel inspection data and ArcGIS Online—enhance situational awareness and interagency coordination.
The system’s ability to embed live drone feeds, track aircraft, and display fire perimeter models creates a single, unified operational view. Phelps emphasized that consolidating multiple data sources into “one pane of glass” turns technology from a convenience into a mission-critical asset.
Safety, Standards, and Compliance
Pigeon demonstrated how Tablet Command aligns with key fire service safety standards including NFPA 1500, NFPA 1561, and California ICS-910. The platform addresses the “NIOSH 5” contributing factors to firefighter fatalities by improving communication, accountability, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
Features such as checklists, SOP integration, and automatic activity logs support both real-time command and post-incident analysis, strengthening training and after-action review processes.
Broader Applications and Future Outlook
Beyond firefighting, Tablet Command is being piloted by utility and EMS agencies to enhance emergency coordination. Its Incident Sharing feature allows dispatch centers to instantly transmit live incident data to neighboring jurisdictions, improving response speed and mutual aid.
As Pigeon and Phelps concluded, real-time data and interoperability are redefining modern emergency response. By centralizing information, enhancing collaboration, and reinforcing safety, digital platforms like Tablet Command embody the mission of Fire Tech U—to advance the intelligent use of technology across the fire service.
About Guest Speaker: William Pigeon, CEO of Tablet Command With his innovative solutions, William “Will” Pigeon, CEO and Co-founder of Tablet Command, has significantly impacted emergency response and incident command management. Educated in Computer Science and Information Systems at San Diego State University, Will began his career in the fire service in 1998, taking on various roles, including firefighter, paramedic, and fire dispatcher, primarily in San Diego. In 2005, he joined the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, eventually becoming Assistant Fire Chief before dedicating himself full-time to Tablet Command in 2020. Alongside Co-Founder Andy Bozzo, he founded Tablet Command in 2011, leveraging his extensive experience in fire operations, communications, and programming to develop technologies that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public safety professionals.