Today is International Firefighters' Day (IFFD), which recognizes the men and women throughout the fire service who risk their lives each day to protect lives and property in their communities.  On behalf of the FirstNet team, I would like to extend our appreciation to firefighters worldwide for their level of commitment and dedication. 

In conjunction with IFFD, the fire service community recognizes the sacrifices made by firefighters in the form of a “Sound Off” that is held on the first Sunday of every May at noon (local time). This is an opportunity to reflect on and remember those lost or injured in the line of duty through an international show of support.  To learn more about the global “Sound Off,” please visit the IFFD website. The IFFD organization will be sharing information about the “Sound Off” and IFFD over social media via their Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr accounts. 

At the First Responder Network Authority, we are committed to serving America's public safety personnel, including the many contributions made by the fire service.  The nationwide public safety broadband network will benefit the safety and security of our firefighters and the communities they serve for years to come, and I am honored to be involved in such an important undertaking for public safety.

Thanks Mike

Mike Worrell is the FirstNet Senior Fire Services Advisor. He was previously with the Phoenix Fire Department where he served for 29 years, most recently as the technical services division chief. Worrell was also a member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) to FirstNet, a member of the National Urban Search and Rescue Incident Support Team, and a qualified Communications Unit Leader and Communications Technician instructor. Prior to joining the Phoenix Fire Department, he was an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy, Submarine Service.

Contact Mike Worrell, Senior Fire Services Advisor, at Mike.Worrell@firstnet.gov or call 202-815-8455