California

Public safety leaders from tribal nations across the country discuss how FirstNet supports emergency communications in remote and rural areas. Guests share real-world communications challenges that are unique to Indian Country and highlight how FirstNet helps tribal first responders better protect their communities.

As Fire Chief of San Bernardino County, one of the top three disaster counties in United States, Dan Munsey knows that reliable connectivity is the foundation of modern firefighting. He details how the county uses FirstNet for data transmission, dual connectivity, maintaining a common operating picture, and staying connected throughout diverse terrain and features. Chief Munsey was a recipient of the 2024 Patriot Award.

From natural disasters to mass casualty incidents — and even acts of terrorism — America was struck by tragedy early in 2025. These events tested the resolve of our country and put pressure on the nation’s emergency response systems. First responders once again rose to meet these challenges head on, and the FirstNet Authority is proud to support them.

Volunteer firefighters are the heart of our nation’s fire services community. Volunteer agencies are often smaller, rural, and have fewer resources. FirstNet offers several ways that help volunteer agencies level the playing field, including the Toms River Fire Department in New Jersey and the San Marcos Pass Volunteer Fire Department in California.

The First Responder Network Authority presented the Patriot Award to five leaders in public safety, recognizing their leadership in using FirstNet to make communities safer.

The FirstNet Authority works hand in hand with public safety to collect feedback on the network and their communications needs. First responders gathered for the FirstNet Users Summit in Sacramento, California to share their real-world experience using FirstNet. The FirstNet Authority uses public safety’s insights to ensure the network offers the right tools and services to meet their technical and operational needs.

You are invited to attend our FirstNet User Group Roundtable.  Please feel free to circulate this invitation.  Our goal is to support public safety stakeholders and provide a professional development environment for FirstNet and perspective users.  During our roundtable, the FirstNet Authority & AT&T will receive input directly from stakeholders regarding sales, devices, customer service, coverage, and other stakeholder needs and issues.  This is not a sales event.  Please RSVP to ferdinand.milanes@dot.ca.gov

The FirstNet Authority convened a cohort of emergency management professionals from across the country to tell us about how FirstNet works in the real world. This group provided valuable feedback about how they currently use FirstNet for emergency management, the challenges they’ve faced, and what they’d like to see in the future.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) awarded Teri Takai the prestigious Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award. Takai received this award for her remarkable leadership and significant contributions to the advancement of broadband communications for public safety. Chief (ret.) Harlin R. McEwen and FirstNet Authority leaders presented the award at the 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, hosted by the FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Public Safety Communications Research Division.

MCSA is a professional law enforcement association comprised of the largest Sheriff's offices in the US. Our membership represents over 130 million Americans.

The EMS Administrators’ Association of California (EMSAAC) cordially invites California’s EMS leaders and professionals to join us for the EMSAAC Annual Conference 2023 at the Omni Hotel in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Learn from and collaborate with peers on a broad variety of subject matter relevant to all levels of prehospital care personnel and EMS managers including ambulance providers, fire agencies, military, law enforcement, EMS agencies, ED nurses, physicians, emergency preparedness coordinators and all who provide lifesaving emergency medical services to our communities.

The Los Angeles Police Department, one of the biggest police departments in the country, is modernizing its communications and issuing FirstNet devices to all of its almost 10,000 officers.

Cinco De Mayo celebrations in San Jose, California, bring in large crowds every year and first responders depend on FirstNet to avoid communication challenges during the festivities.

The FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division are excited to host a reimagined summit for public safety, academia, government, and industry leaders.

Chief Sylvia Moir is a police executive with more than three decades of local police practice and over a decade of experience as a chief of police. She was appointed to the FirstNet Authority Board by the Secretary of Commerce in October 2021. Chief Moir shared her perspectives on FirstNet, her service on the board, and the role of mindfulness in policing.

Thunderbird and Whale was the first-ever national-level exercise fully planned and executed by tribal nations. Lynda Zambrano, Executive Director of the National Tribal Emergency Management Council, recounts her team’s approach to the exercise and how they maximized resources to benefit tribal communities in the Pacific Northwest.

APCO Annual Conference

First responders in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are benefitting from FirstNet. Now with FirstNet, LAPD is equipping officers with new tools, expanded capabilities, and reliable access to critical information while in the field, allowing the department to better serve those who live, work, and visit Los Angeles.

California State Fire Training Evaluator Techniques Sessions

First responders at any size event depend on reliable communication to ensure a successful and safe outcome. In preparation for the Super Bowl in 2022, Los Angeles area public safety agencies’ used the FirstNet Authority’s pre-planning event support to help maximize broadband capabilities. This free and unique service from the FirstNet Authority resulted in more timely and efficient decision-making, better coordinated responses, and well-managed resources and logistics.