Dent serves as a System Administrator for the Mississippi Wireless Communication Commission. He oversees the network management of the Mississippi Wireless Information Network (MSWIN), Mississippi’s 700 MHz, statewide, public safety communication system. Dent monitors and maintains a fleet listing of over 60,000 radios on the MSWIN system. He also assisted in design and development of system reporting on system health for upper management. He serves as subject matter expert in the role as Communications Unit Leader (COML) during events/incidents. Dent also serves as the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) for Mississippi and is responsible for regional as well as national coordination and training efforts for Mississippi’s first responders.

Dent works with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure interoperable communications. Dent has responded to many local, state, and federal disasters in his career. Among the more memorable ones are the Magee tornado of 2009, Yazoo tornado of 2010, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, the COVID Outbreak, several Presidential/Vice Presidential visits.

Dent has nearly 25 years of experience in public safety. He has previously served as Emergency Response Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Public Health as well as the Fire Chief for the City of Hazlehurst. Dent has been a member of Crystal Springs Volunteer Fire Department since 1999 and has held several different positions and currently serves as Captain. Dent holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS.

Presenting:

• What You Can Do to Improve Communications with Rural Neighbors