By Joe Wassel, Executive Director and CEO, First Responder Network Authority September 11 irrevocably altered the lives of Americans. Today, on the anniversary, we solemnly reflect on that fateful day and its impact on our nation. Twenty-two years ago, at 9:37 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon — a landmark moment for me. I was in the building as director of communications for the...

This is the second of a 2-part series by Joe Wassel, First Responder Network Authority Executive Director and CEO, on his thoughts, insights, and vision for the future of public safety communications. Before the FirstNet Authority, I spent my career in the Department of Defense as an advocate for public safety communications and network security. Stepping into the Executive Director and CEO role...

This is the first in a 2-part series by Joe Wassel, First Responder Network Authority Executive Director and CEO, on his thoughts, insights, and vision for the future of public safety communications. During my first 100 days leading the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), I went coast-to-coast to hear directly from first responders. I wanted to better understand their...

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointment of Chief Richard Carrizzo to serve as Board Chair of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). Carrizzo is the Fire Chief for the Southern Platte Fire Protection District in Missouri who was first appointed to the FirstNet Authority Board in 2018 and reappointed in 2021, serving as the Board Vice Chair and...

As we welcome 2023, we reflect on some of the most popular stories, issues, and accomplishment from 2022. This past year, the Commerce Department remained at the forefront of many critical issues like no other time in history. Commerce played a central role in enacting President Biden's economic, trade, and innovation agenda to build a better America. One of the most important accomplishments of...

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 21st 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...