RoGO Communications Showcases DropBlock 2.0 GPS Tracking Solution at APCO 2026

RoGO Communications showcased its DropBlock 2.0 and a new mobile application at the APCO 2026 Annual Conference, highlighting technology designed to improve location tracking, communications and situational awareness for wildland firefighters and first responders operating in areas without cellular connectivity.

The company is exhibiting at Booth 618 during the Association for Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Annual Conference, held from August 2–5 in San Antonio, Texas. APCO is an international organisation representing public safety communications professionals supporting law enforcement, fire, emergency medical and other emergency services.

GPS Tracking and Communication in Remote Locations

RoGO introduced the updated satellite-enabled DropBlock 2.0, which has been redesigned to be smaller and lighter for easier use by wildland firefighters. The accompanying mobile application enables point-to-point communications and displays the GPS location of firefighters, equipment and firefighting assets when paired with a DropBlock device, even in remote locations without cellular service.

The system also provides access to fire weather information directly on mobile devices, supporting field operations in austere environments.

Developed Following the Yarnell Hill Tragedy

RoGO Communications was founded by Chief Executive Officer Rod Goossen and his brother Derek Goossen, who previously served on teams responding to more than 100 wildfires. The company developed the technology following the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona, where 19 firefighters lost their lives.

The launch of DropBlock 2.0 and the new mobile application on June 30, 2026, coincided with the 13th anniversary of the memorial honouring the fallen firefighters and their families.

Field Trials Expand Capabilities

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has field-tested DropBlock devices with six wildland fire handcrews. Feedback from the trials included recommendations for the smaller design and enhanced point-to-point messaging capabilities for targeted team communications.

The platform supports tracking of firefighting crews, bulldozers, fire engines, water tenders, medical evacuation sites, high-value structures and temporary water resources, improving tactical coordination during emergency operations.

In addition to location tracking, DropBlocks function as portable weather stations, collecting and transmitting hyper-local weather data, including wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity and other IoT sensor information.

Wider Emergency Response Applications

While initially developed for wildfire operations, RoGO said the technology can also support first responders during hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and other disaster response situations where conventional communications infrastructure may be unavailable.

The company is currently conducting field testing of the new system with the Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District in Breckenridge, Colorado, where Chief Strategy Officer Derek Goossen serves as Training and Safety Captain.

According to the company, a nationwide commercial launch is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026 following the completion of field evaluations.