Thanks to support from the Massachusetts Community Compact Cabinet Information Technology Grant Program, the Avon Fire Department has installed mobile data tablets in all of its front-line emergency response trucks.

When responding to emergencies, the tablets give firefighters and EMS workers access to vital building data, maps, hydrant locations, pre-incident plans, and real-time dispatch information. The technology will increase situational awareness, facilitate quicker decision-making, and improve firefighter safety prior to crews arriving on the scene, according to department officials.

The project, which aims to improve emergency response and update public safety services, was supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance, for which the department expressed gratitude.