Washington

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.

Public safety tech leader Bill Schrier was presented with the Chief Harlin McEwen Award for his exceptional leadership and contributions to public safety broadband communications. Throughout his career, he has worked to modernize communication systems, improve interoperability, and advocate for public safety’s needs with every innovation. Join the FirstNet Authority as we honor and celebrate him. Learn more: https://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/press-releases/former-washington-state-seattle-tech-leader-bill-schrier-receives-national

The First Responder Network Authority awarded Bill Schrier the Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award (Harlin McEwen Award) for his leadership and contributions to advancing broadband communications for public safety.

The FirstNet Authority Board will convene an open public meeting of the Board and Board Committees. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM-10:30 AM PDT.

The evolution of technology has changed the landscape of search and rescue missions — clearing radio airwaves for essential traffic and mission critical information. Travis Hull, Kate Cummings, Ben Lawrence, and Jason Day explore how broadband solutions have increased operation efficiencies, live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit. 

5x5 is coming to the Pacific Northwest in 2025! 

Chief Christopher Lombard was awarded the Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award today for his remarkable leadership and extensive contributions to public safety broadband communications.

First responders in Washington are benefiting from FirstNet’s expanding coverage, boosted capacity, and new capabilities. FirstNet’s Band 14 infrastructure is bringing public safety agencies nationwide access to the network’s unique features and functions.

The FirstNet Authority Board will convene an open public meeting of the Board and Board Committees. August 23, 2023; 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST); Tacoma, Washington.

FirstNet is furthering critical communications for first responders by expanding 5G, boosting dedicated in-building connectivity, and enhancing 9-1-1 resiliency across Tennessee with FirstNet as a wireless backup.

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.

National Association of State Technology Directors Annual Conference and Technology Showcase

The FirstNet Authority Board will convene an open public meeting of the Board and Board Committees.

The Washington Military Department joined FirstNet, giving its disaster response and emergency management teams a dedicated, reliable broadband connection. The Washington Military Department also has on-the-go coverage wherever they need it with a Compact Rapid Deployable. This asset helps emergency management teams connect with other first responders during incidents.

Last year, firefighters on the west coast battled a relentless string of fires prompting mass evacuations, destroying thousands of homes and threatening dozens of communities. As the fires and the pandemic continue to pose a double threat, FirstNet worked as it was intended by giving first responders prioritized and preemptive service to make sure that emergency communications always comes first. FirstNet prioritizes first responder communication ahead of non-emergency communications – and that has made all the difference in keeping firefighters safe as they protect communities and save lives.

Broadband infrastructure can be sparse and inconsistent across many parts of Indian Country. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, this lack of infrastructure complicated efforts to provide tribes with critical food supplies and personal protective equipment. FirstNet deployable assets enabled the National Tribal Emergency Management Council to coordinate logistics and deliver millions of pounds of food and resources to tribes across the nation.