First responders face incredible challenges to keep our communities safe. This past year it has been especially true as public safety continued to uphold their oath to protect and serve during a worldwide pandemic. While we honor and celebrate these heroes every day, every April and May, we dedicate extra time to thank them for their selflessness and dedication.
Join us as we highlight the commitment and sacrifices made by those in emergency communications, the fire service, law enforcement, and emergency medical services (EMS), as well as our nation’s volunteers and public servants during these annual celebrations:
April 11-17
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
The second week of April is dedicated to honoring emergency telecommunicators and the immense contributions they make to protecting and serving their communities. John Hunt, FirstNet Authority Senior 9-1-1/Emergency Communications Advisor, emphasized, “At the FirstNet Authority, we honor the hard work and dedication of emergency telecommunicators. Their jobs are difficult, stressful, and complex. They are an integral part of the country’s public safety services, and many times they are the first first responder the public encounters in times of emergency. We all owe them our thanks and support.”
Join us on social media using #NPSTW2021 to show your support for emergency telecommunicators.
April 18-24
National Volunteer Week
Volunteers provide critical services, especially in public safety. More than 70% of fire departments are composed of volunteers. Other first responders rely on volunteers to help their agencies serve their communities, such as those who serve as actors during scenario-based police training. During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our nation’s volunteers.
Help us celebrate the impact of the work done by volunteers – use #NVW and #NationalVolunteerWeek on social media to join the conversation. And be sure to follow us to learn about some of the incredible volunteers who work at the FirstNet Authority!
May 1
National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
We kick off a week celebrating those in the fire service with National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. On this day communities are encouraged to learn about wildfire risk and explore options to protect their homes against potential fires. Through planning and preparation, people help keep their neighborhoods and fire personnel safer.
Follow us on social media #WildfirePrepDay to see how FirstNet is connecting responders as they prepare for and respond to wildfires.
May 4
International Firefighters’ Day
Every May 4, we honor firefighters around the world for the risks they take to keep our communities safe. International Firefighters’ Day reminds us to take a moment to remember all who made the ultimate sacrifice while fulfilling their oath to protect life and property. FirstNet Authority Senior Fire Services Advisor Gary McCarraher said, “Firefighting is a unique profession; you can go to work and do everything right and still make the ultimate sacrifice in service to your community. This has been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic as firefighters continue to serve day-in and day-out. Please join me in thanking those who tirelessly serve to keep our communities safe and honor those who have lost their lives in service to our communities; remember their families and loved ones and pray for them to have strength in their time of need.”
Join the conversation on social media using #InternationalFirefightersDay to honor firefighters and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.
May 2-8
Public Service Recognition Week
Public Service Recognition Week is a time to recognize those who serve as local, federal, state, and tribal government employees. Public servants play an important role in keeping our communities running every day and in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters. At the FirstNet Authority, we are honored to serve public safety and enable technology to make their jobs easier.
Celebrate with us using #PSRW to show appreciation for our nation’s government employees.
May 9-15
National Police Week
During National Police Week, we honor the contributions, commitments, and sacrifices made by our nation’s law enforcement officers. As FirstNet Authority Senior Law Enforcement Advisor Harry Markley explained, “National Police Week allows us the opportunity to honor those officers and their families that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty. When officers take their oath to serve, they are embarking on a career where they are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the better good of their community. These are very special people who deserve to be honored. During this week, please take the time to think about the officers and their families who paid the ultimate price for our safety.”
Show your appreciation for law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they have made to protect and serve their communities using #NationalPoliceWeek on social media.
May 16-22
National EMS Week
In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized National EMS Week. This time is dedicated to honoring the work EMS practitioners do in caring for our communities. Brent Williams, FirstNet Authority Senior EMS Advisor, expressed his gratitude for EMS providers across the country, saying, “EMS practitioners show their value in amazing ways. The work they do is essential and vital for our society. It helps make our communities safe and secure, it provides comfort and real medical help in times of need, and it is always there.”
Help us celebrate those on the front line of emergency medical response using #EMSWeek on social media.
Please take a moment over the next several weeks to recognize the work of our nation’s first responders and public servants. The work they do continues to be more vital than ever. From everyone here at the FirstNet Authority, thank you to all members of public safety. We appreciate everything you do for our communities, and we are proud to serve you.