Rural Response Modernization: Real-World Lessons from Marion County, Illinois

Rural emergency management agencies face unique challenges when coordinating multi‑agency communication during severe weather and other high‑impact events. In this session, Andrew Strong shares how Marion County, Illinois leverages FirstNet, FirstNet Fusion, and a new drone program to improve real-time coordination, response efficiency, and community information sharing. Attendees will explore practical ways small, resource‑limited jurisdictions can modernize their emergency communication capabilities.