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A St. Augustine police officer using a FirstNet-enabled phone outside; a West De Moines paramedic inside an ambulance using a cell phone; an emergency management official in front of a screen showing a map; a firefighter using a tablet outside; a 9-1-1 official on the phone working remotely in front of multiple screens.

Celebrating the dedication of our first responders

April 6, 2023

Every day, first responders across the country answer the call to protect and serve their communities. Paramedics provide life-saving medical care. Firefighters save people and property from the blaze. Police officers keep our communities safe. Emergency managers prepare for the worst. Telecommunicators answer our call. These brave individuals are the backbone of our society.

At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), we’re dedicated to supporting these courageous men and women and ensuring they have the tools and capabilities they need to perform their lifesaving mission. Each spring, we have the opportunity to honor the commitment and selflessness of our nation’s public safety officials, as well as public servants and volunteers.

Join us as we recognize these annual events:

April 1-30: Emergency Communications Month

April is Emergency Communications Month, a chance to recognize the critical role communications play during disasters and emergencies. We commend the critical work done by emergency communications officials, and we thank them for their work to ensure our responders can seamlessly communicate.

April 9-15: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Every April, we honor our nation’s public safety telecommunicators and thank them for their dedication to creating better, safer communities. We encourage everyone to join the FirstNet Authority’s 9-1-1/Emergency Communications Advisor John Hunt and Board member Renee Gordon in showing your appreciation during this week using #NPSTW2023 on social media. 

April 16-22: National Volunteer Week

At the FirstNet Authority, we recognize the vital role volunteers play in maintaining public safety, from volunteer firefighters to those providing emergency care as volunteer EMTs and more. During National Volunteer Week, we show our appreciation for these community leaders who strive to keep their communities safe. Use #NVW and #NationalVolunteerWeek on social media to join the conversation and celebrate the work of public safety volunteers.

May 4: International Firefighters’ Day

Every year on International Firefighters’ Day, we thank our firefighters for their bravery and selflessness and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Join the FirstNet Authority’s Fire Services Advisor Gary McCarraher, acting Board Chair and Fire Chief Richard Carrizzo, and Board member and former Fire Chief Brian Crawford in honoring our nation’s firefighters. Use #InternationalFirefightersDay on social media to pay your respects to these heroes.

May 6: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

This day aims to raise awareness and encourage communities to reduce the risk of wildfires. Check out our fact sheet to discover how FirstNet supports firefighters during wildfires, and follow #WildfirePrepDay on social media on May 6th.

May 7-13: Public Service Recognition Week

Public Service Recognition Week is a time to honor the women and men who serve in local, state, federal, and tribal governments across the country. Show your support for these individuals by using #PSRW2023 on social media to recognize their commitment to serving our nation’s citizens.

May 11-16: National Police Week

During this week, we recognize the dedication of our nation’s police officers and honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Join FirstNet Authority staff — including Law Enforcement Advisor Harry Markley and Board members Sheriff Kristin Graziano, Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, and Undersheriff Sylvia Moir — in showing your appreciation for our nation’s law enforcement officials and remembering fallen officers during #NationalPoliceWeek.

May 21-27: National EMS Week

During EMS Week, we celebrate the work of EMS practitioners who provide critical care to our communities. Emergency care begins with these responders, and we are grateful for their dedication and selflessness. We join FirstNet Authority Board member Paul Patrick and our EMS Advisor Jonathan Olson in recognizing the efforts of those on the front line of emergency medical response. Follow along on social media using #EMSWeek.

Honoring those who protect our communities

Our first responders are always hard at work keeping us safe. We offer them our support, not only during these annual events, but throughout the entire year.

To all members of public safety, thank you for all that you do. We, at the FirstNet Authority, are proud to serve you.

 
 
 
 

Learn more about how FirstNet is transforming public safety communications — contact your local FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor and sign up for our discipline newsletters. Follow us on TwitterFacebookInstagram, and LinkedIn for the latest FirstNet Authority updates.

For information on FirstNet products and services or to access your subscriber account, visit FirstNet.com.