Accountability on the fireground isn’t just about checklists or callouts. It’s about knowing- without hesitation- who’s doing what, where they are, and whether everyone is safe. After a close call during a major fire, Evanston Fire Department (EFD) realized it was time to re-evaluate their approach to incident command and communication. What followed was a complete shift in how they manage scenes, powered by Tablet Command.

When Good Isn’t Good Enough

In early 2024, EFD faced a fire that underscored a painful truth: traditional accountability tools weren’t cutting it. Despite using Velcro tags, rosters, and whiteboards, the team found themselves relying on memory and patchwork systems during high-risk situations. “We were able to get both firefighters out, but we realized as a command staff that we needed to do better with accountability,” said Chief Paul Polep.

That realization sparked a department-wide review and the search for a more reliable solution- one that could evolve with the complexity of modern incidents.

Finding a Smarter Way

Chief Polep discovered Tablet Command through a video demo. Impressed by how quickly his team could start using the platform- even the tech-averse members- he loaded the stand-alone version onto a few iPads and began testing it in the field. “We acquired the very basic plan and loaded it onto a few iPads… as we started using it more, we started doing more research and seeing more of the capabilities.” Within months, the department began shifting its workflows to fully incorporate the system- and the difference was immediate.

Real-Time Accountability That Works

With CAD integration, EFD now sees real-time updates on every unit and crew member during an incident. That clarity is no longer dependent on someone remembering to update a tag or writing on a whiteboard. “Now I know when I move Engine 21 to the first floor during a primary search, I see all three people are there, right? So it’s just become an amazing accountability tool.”

And because Tablet Command works alongside their Motorola radio system, the team now has multiple layers of communication, even in high-traffic situations.

Making Command Easier and Smarter

The tool’s built-in checklists and templates replaced the whiteboards. As Chief Polep puts it: “They’re not creating a whiteboard or writing on an envelope in their car because the Dry Erase marker fell underneath the seat… So it’s brought a lot of ease and comfort to any incident commander now.”

From simple automatic alarms to major mutual aid responses, EFD now has a reliable, repeatable way to track, command, and communicate. 

Support That Makes Adoption Easy

Chief Polep credits much of their success to Tablet Command’s support team and customer experience. “Every step of the way, we would get any question answered immediately. The staff at Tablet Command has been outstanding.”

That support helped EFD not just launch the tool, but also continue discovering new features, like dashboard emojis and web portal metrics, long after go-live.

The Bottom Line: It Just Works

Today, the Evanston Fire Department runs their incidents with more clarity, more consistency, and far greater confidence than ever before. From fireground visibility to post-incident review, they’ve redefined what accountability looks like in action. “Tablet Command just works, and it works really, really well.”

Ready to See It in Action?

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