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Expressing Gratitude for Public Safety Heroes

Edward Parkinson, Chief Executive Officer, First Responder Network Authority

First responders face incredible challenges to keep our communities safe. This past year it has been especially true as public safety workers continued to uphold their oath to protect and serve during a worldwide pandemic. While we honor and celebrate these heroes every day, every May, we dedicate extra time to thank them for their selflessness and dedication.

Join us at the First Responder Network Authority and the Department of Commerce as we highlight the commitment and sacrifices made by those in the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical services (EMS), as well as our nation’s volunteers and public servants during these annual celebrations:

May 4

International Firefighters’ Day

Every May 4, we honor firefighters around the world for the risks they take to keep our communities safe. International Firefighters’ Day reminds us to take a moment to remember all who made the ultimate sacrifice while fulfilling their oath to protect life and property. FirstNet Authority Senior Fire Services Advisor Gary McCarraher said, “Firefighting is a unique profession; you can go to work and do everything right and still make the ultimate sacrifice in service to your community. This has been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic as firefighters continue to serve day-in and day-out. Please join me in thanking those who tirelessly serve to keep our communities safe and honor those who have lost their lives in service to our communities; remember their families and loved ones and pray for them to have strength in their time of need.”

Join the conversation on social media using #InternationalFirefightersDay to honor firefighters and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.

May 2-8

Public Service Recognition Week

Public Service Recognition Week is a time to recognize those who serve as local, federal, state, and tribal government employees. Public servants play an important role in keeping our communities running every day and in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters. At the FirstNet Authority, we are honored to serve public safety and enable technology to make their jobs easier.

Celebrate with us using #PSRW to show appreciation for our nation’s government employees.

May 9-15

National Police Week

During National Police Week, we honor the contributions, commitments, and sacrifices made by our nation’s law enforcement officers. As FirstNet Authority Senior Law Enforcement Advisor Harry Markley explained, “National Police Week allows us the opportunity to honor those officers and their families that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty. When officers take their oath to serve, they are embarking on a career where they are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the better good of their community. These are very special people who deserve to be honored. During this week, please take the time to think about the officers and their families who paid the ultimate price for our safety.”

Show your appreciation for law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they have made to protect and serve their communities using #NationalPoliceWeek on social media.

May 16-22

National EMS Week

In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized National EMS Week. This time is dedicated to honoring the work EMS practitioners do in caring for our communities. Brent Williams, FirstNet Authority Senior EMS Advisor, expressed his gratitude for EMS providers across the country, saying, “EMS practitioners show their value in amazing ways. The work they do is essential and vital for our society. It helps make our communities safe and secure, it provides comfort and real medical help in times of need, and it is always there.”

Help us celebrate those on the front line of emergency medical response using #EMSWeek on social media.

Please take a moment over the next several weeks to recognize the work of our nation’s first responders and public servants. The work they do continues to be more vital than ever. From everyone here at the FirstNet Authority, thank you to all members of public safety. We appreciate everything you do for our communities, and we are proud to serve you.

The FirstNet Authority was established in light of September 11, 2001, to create a nationwide broadband network specifically for first responders. Learn more about how we support public safety across the country at FirstNet.gov/FirstNetFor. 

Cross-post from First Responder Network Authority Blog

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