LAFD Revolutionizes Emergency Response with LEO Satellite Tech

Communications are a critical aspect of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) operations, from large-scale incidents to everyday emergencies.

But when duty calls in remote areas, or “data deserts,” as LAFD Captain Brian Buehler calls dead zones with no cell service, establishing effective and consistent communications can pose a significant challenge.

One might consider this for large deployments, like wildfires or mutual aid missions elsewhere in California and across the country. But there are no-service areas within the city of Los Angeles, making technology that ensures uninterrupted, accessible connectivity a critical need for the LAFD.

Supported by the LAFD Foundation, 25 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology dishes have been provided to the LAFD to improve incident communications, resource responsiveness, and connectivity.

This unique technology engages networks of small satellites that orbit close to Earth to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet and communications service. LEO technology is especially useful where traditional internet infrastructure is impacted or non-existent, making it a powerful solution to closing communication gaps – especially for industries like the fire service.

Captain Buehler first heard about LEO satellite technology being used in the firefighting field from mutual aid deployments. LAFD members supporting a significant wildfire in Northern California returned from their assignment discussing the impact of another agency’s LEO satellite dish on their communications while in the field.

Locally, a lithium battery spill from an overturned big rig triggered the forced closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro for multiple days in 2024. Captain Buehler and the Critical Incident Planning and Training Section (CIPTS) once again witnessed the power of LEO satellite technology on a critical, multi-day incident, in an area known for its spotty service and connectivity challenges.

But the 2025 Palisades Fire was the catalyst for LAFD’s increased adoption of this vital resource.  

“During the Palisades Fire, we really got to experience the impact of this technology,” Captain Buehler emphasized as a member who utilized the dishes firsthand while on the fire line.

For Captain Buehler and those on the front lines, it appeared as though LEO satellite dishes had “fallen from the sky,” arriving at just the right time during a critical moment. Behind the scenes, Starlink had contacted the LAFD Foundation, seeking to donate LEO satellite dishes to the LAFD when they were most needed.

That initial wave of tech amplified the need for improved remote communications for the LAFD, moving the Foundation to secure additional LEO satellite dishes for use across various LAFD units, from CIPTS to Swift Water and Hazardous Materials (HazMat).  

Most recently, LEO satellite dishes ensured seamless communication for LAFD units that mobilized for the Los Angeles Marathon. Captain Buehler shared that for events of similar sizes, where thousands of individuals are relying on 5G data, LEO satellite technology enables crews to rise above mass-usage and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.        

“A lot of communication devices are cellular technology-based,” Captain Buehler emphasized when discussing previous technology that tried to address these gaps. He added that 5G can actually work faster than LEO satellite technology – when it's available. But when it is not, which is often the case when additional communications support is necessary in the field, these small, easily transportable, nimble LEO satellite dishes are a game changer.

As the size and scale of incidents across the city increase, so do the vast needs of the LAFD. Captain Buehler emphasized how support from the LAFD Foundation ensures that the Department stays modernized, ahead of the curve, and a leader in the early adoption of technology that makes firefighting in all terrains and environments safer and more efficient.

“LEO satellite internet connectivity is the new gold standard,” he added. “And it’s here to stay.”