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The National Association of State EMS Officials, logo and image of Public Safety Advisory Committee representatives making a presentation at a FirstNet Authority Board Meeting.
25 Feb

PSAC Profile: National Association of State EMS Officials

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers respond to life-threatening emergencies, serve as part of the community healthcare team, and help safeguard communities nationwide. The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) is a nationwide organization that develops EMS policy, acts as a voice for the EMS community, and provides information and research on EMS-related issues. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, NASEMSO provides feedback on issues that are important to state EMS officials.  

View of the Potomac River Green Bank and Washington DC skyline; map outline of Washington Metropolitan area; first responders
11 Feb

Collaboration is Key for Interoperability in National Capital Region

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) was formed to provide a forum for jurisdictions in the National Capital Region to discuss regional challenges and develop cooperative solutions. The Interoperable Communications Regional Working Group within COG aims to enhance communications for public safety and is addressing policy and governance challenges for issues and systems that have an impact on all jurisdictions, such as FirstNet.  

5G small cell illustration
02 Feb

APWA’s Top Five Trending Technologies in 2021: How FirstNet is expanding to support connective technologies

The Association of Public Works Association (APWA) released its Top Five Trending Technologies of 2021 survey and report announcing promising technologies that best support public works agencies. APWA reached out to the FirstNet Authority to discuss small cell/5G technologies’ growing impact on FirstNet’s vision to expand and enhance coverage into communities located in urban, rural, or other hard to reach areas. 

An officer in a Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office uniform sits at a steering wheel of a police vehicle using a mobile data computer mounted to the center console.
26 Jan

FirstNet making a difference for Loudoun Sheriff's Office on a daily basis

FirstNet is making a difference for law enforcement agencies across the nation—in both daily operations and at big events, whether planned or unplanned. In northern Virginia, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office relies on FirstNet for everyday use, emergencies, and large events. They also partner with other FirstNet users in the region to collaborate on how to best use the network.

FirstNet Flying Cell on Wings
21 Jan

FirstNet Powers the Future of Emergency Management

FirstNet is pushing the envelope for public safety communications, opening up new capabilities for emergency managers and the first responders they work with. Through real-time data sharing, tools like the Advanced Network Status Tool, and advances in 5G, FirstNet is shaping the future of emergency management.

Photo of a 3GPP meeting room with people sitting at tables and working on computers, overlaid with gear icons and wireless network terminology: RAN, 5G, V2X, Core, MCdata.
19 Jan

Tech Talk: December 7-14, 2020 3GPP Plenary Meetings Recap

At the December 2020 3GPP Plenary meetings, there was continued momentum with Release 17 and mission critical features, including continued inclusion and clarification of 5G direct mode and broadcast mode communications. Many public safety agencies from across the globe co-signed two contributions authored and led by the FirstNet Authority to emphasize the importance of these features. 

A police officer wearing a mask and a vest stands in front of a Green Bay Police vehicle
14 Jan

Connecting Green Bay Law Enforcement On and Off the Field

The Green Bay Police Department is the main law enforcement agency for the Green Bay Packers football games. Even during big plays when network congestion is the highest, FirstNet gives them faster speeds, better data exchanges, and clearer calls. FirstNet has also made a difference for Green Bay police outside the stadium, like when they tracked a fleeing shooting suspect.

Image of a school bus with a pull-out visual of FirstNet communication equipment used to connect the Carroll County, Maryland bus fleet.
13 Jan

FirstNet keeps students safe on school buses

Buses taking students to and from schools in Carroll County, Maryland are now equipped with FirstNet. With these advanced communication capabilities, the fleet can stay in touch with school headquarters at all times, enhancing the safety and security of students. 

The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) logo and image of Public Safety Advisory Committee representatives making a presentation at a FirstNet Authority Board Meeting.
07 Jan

PSAC Profile: National Association of EMS Physicians

The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) represents over 1,500 paramedics, physicians, nurses, administrators, educators, and researchers. NAEMSP provides educational resources and evidence-based guidance to its members and partners with organizations and federal agencies as an advocate for EMS-related decisions. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, NAEMSP provides input on issues that are essential EMS practitioners.

International City/County Management Association logo, PSAC meeting
22 Dec

PSAC Profile: International City/County Management Association

City and county managers are represented on the First Responder Network Authority’s (FirstNet Authority) Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). ICMA is a non-profit organization, founded in 1914, whose mission is to advance local government by supporting excellence in professional management. ICMA provides professional development, training, and research on a wide range of topics, including public safety.

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