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...

Between January and September 2022, nearly 7 million acres burned across the United States. In recent years, the country has experienced unparalleled challenges regarding wildfires. The season is no longer contained within a portion of the year but has become a year-round battle. Wildfire suppression consistently exceeds $1 billion per year, and these incidents are becoming lengthier, more...

NOAA satellites, which are crucial in weather and climate forecasts, helped rescue 397 people from potentially life-threatening situations throughout the U.S. and its surrounding waters in 2022. NOAA’s polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites are part of the global Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking system, or COSPAS-SARSAT, which uses a network of U.S. and international spacecraft to...

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...

University of the Basque Country broadens first responder app market and simplifies device certification process. Smartphones, mobile apps and strong network connections have become so ubiquitous that it’s easy to take for granted the technological progress that makes those features possible. While everyday users enjoy ample choices in the mobile app store and rarely question their broadband...

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...

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month and pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society and are making an impact at the Department of Commerce and on behalf of all American communities. During this month, the Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National...

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...

Flooding affects every region differently, but it poses a threat to every state, from coast to coast. Floods can occur due to high tides in coastal areas, heavy rain, overflowing rivers, or storm surge associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Floods are dangerous and costly. In 2021, U.S. flood fatalities reached 145 and over the past 40 years, flooding has cost about $4 billion per year in...