By Lisa Casias, Acting CEO, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) 2022 was another banner year for public safety and their network — FirstNet. The network now provides over 4 million connections serving more than 23,000 public safety agencies and organizations. And it continues to bring innovation and special features to public safety users, offering more than 200 unique apps and...

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointment of Renee Gordon, Director of the City of Alexandria’s Department of Emergency Communications, to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). Gordon will serve as one of 12 non-permanent members selected by the Department of Commerce. Three permanent seats are occupied by the Attorney...

By Chief Richard Carrizzo, Fire Chief for the Southern Platte Fire Protection District (Missouri) and Vice Chair of the First Responder Network Authority Board First responders are at the core of our communities. Emergency medical officials treat those in pain. Firefighters carry victims to safety. Emergency managers marshal resources. 9-1-1 call takers field distress calls day and night. Law...

By Stephen Benjamin, Chair of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) September marks the 21 st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It is also National Preparedness Month , which raises awareness about the need to be ready for any and all emergencies. Both serve as poignant reminders that disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, without precedent, and that we must do our...

Urban and rural network models could tell us how first responders get critical information Push-to-Talk (PTT) radios are first responders’ primary means of communication in an emergency. These two-way radios rely on Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks to carry signals. PTT radios and LMR networks are reliable and secure, and fire, police, and other emergency response teams know these systems well...

Jeremy Zollo, Chief Market Engagement Officer, First Responder Network Authority Every hurricane season, first responders face great challenges as they protect their communities during these storms. The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) remains committed to ensuring responders have the tools they need to face these storms. From support offered by the FirstNet Authority to...

By U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo The Department of Commerce has one overarching goal: To improve America’s economic competitiveness so that our workers and our companies succeed in the global economy. And Women’s History Month is a great time to showcase the achievements of women scientists, entrepreneurs, inventors, educators, and many others who have contributed to that goal and...

By Lisa Casias, Deputy CEO , the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Working with strong female leaders has been a highlight of my career at the U.S. Department of Commerce . I’ve been enriched personally and professionally by the unique perspectives and experiences of these women. At the FirstNet Authority, we are privileged to be led by many women who bring ingenuity...

By Edward Parkinson, CEO, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Broadband has become the lifeblood of our economy. It is also essential to our national security and public safety, a fact that first responders recognized many years ago. The tragedies of September 11 th revealed fundamental problems with the communication systems used by our nation’s first responders. They needed a...

The following is a cross-post from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) This blog is a part of the First Responder Network Authority’s #FrontlineVoices series, a collection of stories from first responders serving on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about FirstNet supporting the pandemic response at firstnet.gov/pandemic. First responders have...