Gov. Pillen Signs Executive Order Establishing Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force
RELEASE DATE: Oct 16, 2026
CONTACT:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495
NORTH PLATTE, NE – Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order at North Platte Fire Station 3 establishing the Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force. The whole-of-government initiative is charged with conducting a top-to-bottom evaluation of Nebraska’s public safety communications ecosystem and delivering actionable recommendations to the Governor’s Office within 60 days.
Led by the Nebraska Military Department, the Task Force will identify technical, operational, and structural gaps in emergency communications highlighted during recent severe weather and wildfire events across the state.
“In Nebraska, we take care of our neighbors. When disaster strikes, Nebraskans roll up their sleeves and pitch in,” said Gov. Pillen. “To do that job safely and effectively, our first responders – especially our volunteer firefighters in rural Nebraska – have got to have tools that actually work. When our first responders call for backup on the radio, that line must be clear and reliable across every square mile of Nebraska.”
The Task Force brings together leadership from key state agencies, local municipalities, county officials, and frontline emergency responders. Participating entities include the Nebraska Military Department, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), Office of the Chief Information Officer, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Public Power District, League of Nebraska Municipalities, Nebraska Association of County Officials, and representatives from rural volunteer fire leadership.
Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard emphasized the work that the state has been doing already to create strong and effective relationships with local governments through the Community Partnership Program. Being engaged with local officials, police, fire chiefs, emergency managers and others is incredibly beneficial, especially when those relationships are formed before an event even happens.
“The Nebraska Military Department is uniquely qualified to lead this effort due to our emergency management functions and our experience in bringing together different agencies to execute a whole of government approach to address an area of important need,” added Maj. Gen. Strong.
Under the directive, the Task Force will conduct a comprehensive audit identifying geographic dead zones and structural vulnerabilities in current radio coverage capabilities. Additionally, the group will review multi-vendor equipment compatibility, hardware end-of-life cycles, and user training gaps across jurisdictions, while evaluating local, state, and federal funding streams to support long-term system sustainability. The Task Force must submit its final fact-finding analysis and actionable recommendations to the Governor no later than 60 days from today’s signing.
Colonel Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, pointed out the lessons learned during the terror attacks on 9/11 and the need to have communications interoperability, especially when dangerous situations arise.
“The Nebraska State Patrol is committed to this task force and working alongside our partners, especially those serving rural Nebraska, to identify communication gaps and develop practical solutions. Every first responder, regardless of where they serve, deserves the ability to communicate when lives are on the line.”
Senator Mike Jacobson thanked volunteer firefighters attending today’s news conference, acknowledging their around the clock efforts to bring this year’s devastating wildfires under control. Calling effective communications a necessity, especially for firefighter safety, he noted that the task force would be a step forward to addressing what has been a persistent issue.
“This year’s wildfires showed just how critical reliable communication is for the first responders serving our communities, especially in rural Nebraska,” said Sen. Jacobson. “I appreciate Governor Pillen’s leadership in identifying where gaps exist, and I look forward to working together on practical solutions that give our first responders the tools they need.”
“As one of the most frequent users of this technology, the experience from the Nebraska Department of Transportation, along with the expertise and resources of the Nebraska Broadband office, makes us well positioned to engage and contribute to the task force,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “We have already begun investigating gaps, researching opportunities, and outlining solutions to support the task force. We appreciate the Governor’s leadership in taking this important step to better the State’s communication network.”
The executive order takes effect immediately. A copy can be found below.
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