The nation's ability to share information seamlessly across localities, states and regions still is limited. To address the problem, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate's Command, Control and Interoperability Division — assisted by the First Responder Technologies program — created Virtual USA.

Charles Werner joined Associate Editor Mary Rose Roberts to discuss the information-sharing initiative. Werner is a 34-year veteran of the fire-rescue service. He recently celebrated his 31st year with the Charlottesville (Va.) Fire Department and currently serves as its chief. He also is an International Association of Fire Chiefs communications committee member and SAFECOM's executive committee chair.