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First responder network

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created to implement the 9/11 Commission recommendation to give public safety providers 21st-century communication tools to help save lives, solve crimes, and keep our communities and emergency responders safe.

We will build a public safety broadband network designed to be reliable, functional, and secure. More than 60,000 public safety agencies will be able to take advantage of expanded coverage and capacity. For the first time, public safety communications will be based on commercial standards. This will bring the benefits of lower costs, consumer-driven economies of scale, and rapid evolution of advanced communication capabilities.

Related Content

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo Appoints Renee Gordon as FirstNet Authority Board Member

Press releases
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...

Honoring Our Nation’s First Responders

Blog
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...

Strengthening Our Nation’s Preparedness with a Public Safety Broadband Network

Blog
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...

Driving Innovation for Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery

Blog
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...

Ingenuity, Diversity, and Expertise: The Benefits of Women as Leaders

Blog
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...

Voices From the Frontlines: FirstNet Provides Flexibility and Interoperability for Emergency Management During Pandemic

Blog
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...

Celebrating Our Nation’s First Responders

Blog
By Edward Parkinson, Chief Executive Officer, First Responder Network Authority First responders face challenges every day with grit, determination, and selflessness. We are thankful for the work they do to protect our communities, especially as a global pandemic has added extra obstacles, restrictions, danger, and stress to their mission. During this worldwide health crisis, natural disasters and...

Honoring First Responders on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Blog
Guest blog post by Edward Parkinson, CEO First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Soon after the planes hit the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001, Brad Morrell deployed from Utah to New York City as part of an urban search and rescue team. Aboard the military airlift transporting rescuers, Brad remembers seeing otherwise empty skies except for the fighter jets escorting...

20 Years Later: NIST's World Trade Center Investigation and Its Legacy

Blog
The following is a blog post by S. Shyam Sunder who led the Federal Building and Fire Safety Investigation of the World Trade Center Disaster in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) buildings following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was one of the worst-ever building disasters in recorded history — killing 2,749 people...

FirstNet - Helping Firefighters Face Historic Wildfire Season Amid Pandemic

Blog
By Kevin Nida and Chris Baker, First Responder Network Authority Senior Public Safety Advisors Last year, firefighters on the west coast battled a relentless string of fires such as the Green Ridge Fire, the Holiday Farm Fire, the Gates Fire and many more. These devastating wildfires prompted mass evacuations, destroying thousands of homes and threatening dozens of communities. In Oregon...