By Joe Wassel, Executive Director and CEO, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)

Twenty-three years ago, America experienced a day unlike any other in our history. News of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, reverberated across our nation. Everyone was on high alert. No one knew where, when, or if another attack would happen.

This vigilance was particularly felt by America’s first responders — whose mission is to protect our communities and respond to disasters. Amid the confusion and uncertainty, the public safety community rose to the occasion. They stood up, leaned in, and put the nation’s safety and security first.

A story of courage and sacrifice

I was at the Pentagon when it was hit by American Airlines Flight 77, and for a moment, I worked alongside first responders to provide aid to the injured. I saw firsthand their bravery and dedication.

The story of America’s first responders on September 11 is a story of courage and sacrifice. Our great nation lost 2,996 people, including 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel at the Pentagon.[1]

We remain forever grateful to the public safety community for their sacrifices. First responders stepped up when our nation needed them most.

First responders in the heartland and beyond

A story less told is the effect September 11 had on first responders in the heartland and across our nation.

Many first responders from throughout the country traveled long distances to provide boots-on-the-ground support at Ground Zero and the Pentagon. Many more worked around the clock to ramp up security at vulnerable spots in their own communities. The nation’s public safety community collectively grieved the loss of life that day.

Today, 23 years later, the FirstNet Authority hosted a remembrance ceremony at our technology headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.

Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson joined us at the ceremony and talked about serving as a law enforcement officer in Colorado on September 11, 2001. My FirstNet Authority colleagues and I were privileged to hear his moving account. It reinforced our deeply held belief in supporting the public safety community through their most difficult endeavors.  

Honoring the memories

We remember the tragedies of September 11 through our work at the FirstNet Authority.

Our agency was established in light of the communication challenges experienced by public safety during the attacks. Our mission is to provide a nationwide public safety broadband network to keep first responders connected and communicating, no matter what happens or where they are.

Rural, remote, and tribal areas have traditionally been underserved by communication infrastructure. Since our founding, the FirstNet Authority has prioritized coverage in rural areas, delivering FirstNet to areas where previously little or no broadband connectivity existed.

Today and into the future

Today we solemnly observe and remember the tragedies of September 11.

At the FirstNet Authority, today is also an occasion to rededicate ourselves to our mission. We are committed to delivering a network that keeps responders connected when it matters most.

The public safety community stood up for the American people on September 11, and we stand ready to support first responders wherever and whenever they need it, now and in the future.