From Firefighter to Tech Innovator: Revolutionizing Emergency Response with Tablet Command with Co-Founder & CEO Will Pigeon | Ep 794

Send us a text In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas interviews Will Pigeon, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Tablet Command. Will shares his journey from being a dedicated firefighter and paramedic in the San Diego region to becoming an assistant fire chief and eventually transitioning into a tech entrepreneur. This evolution was sparked by his background in computer science and information systems, combined with his frontline experience in emergency services. The inspiration for Tablet Command was rooted in a tragic incident: the line-of-duty deaths of two firefighters in Contra Costa County. This event led to introspection within the department about improving safety and operations. Will, along with co-founder Andy Bozzo, conceptualized Tablet Command following Andy's epiphany while playing Words with Friends. This moment of insight led to the idea of using a drag-and-drop interface for deploying fire engine companies in emergency scenarios. Will emphasizes the importance of keeping Tablet Command user-friendly for first responders who may have varying levels of comfort with technology. By focusing on simplicity and avoiding distraction, the tool has been designed with real-life firefighting scenarios in mind, ensuring easy accessibility in high-pressure situations. One poignant story Will recounts is from the Carr Fire in 2018, where Tablet Command played a crucial role. A Marin County fire crew, separated from their strike team and trapped in near-blackout conditions caused by the firestorm, used Tablet Command to navigate to safety. This and many other incidents highlight the significant impact of the app in enhancing emergency response effectiveness. Looking ahead, Will discusses the continuous improvement of Tablet Command. Key developments include the introduction of shared automatic vehicle location, allowing for greater collaboration and visibility among different departments during emergencies. While there are other exciting features in the pipeline, some remain confidential due to their innovative nature. Will Pigeon's story is a testament to how technology, when thoughtfully applied, can significantly enhance public safety and save lives in critical situations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .