Boone Fire Department Enhances Off-Grid Search & Rescue with CompassRespond^®

CompassRespond is now used by Boone Fire for a range of incidents—wildland fires, trail rescues, active shooters, and night ops—delivering real-time situational awareness when it matters most.

When an elderly Alzheimer’s patient went missing in the rugged Appalachian terrain around Boone, NC, CompassRespond proved mission-critical. With no cell or radio coverage, Boone Fire Department used the ruggedized, Esri-based platform to track personnel via Motorola APX™ P25 radios, coordinate search teams, and cover terrain with real-time precision.

Patient located safely within 3 hours

Zero cellular or broadband connectivity required

Breadcrumb tracking, GIS overlays, and encrypted radio location

Fire Chief Jimmy Isaacs emphasized the system’s value in disconnected operations:

“I can see where everyone is located at the same time—and their positions relative to each other, to fuels, to the topography, and to structures.”

Built for tactical teams, field commanders, and rural agencies needing a resilient, off-the-grid AVL solution.