FirstNet is an important resource for emergency managers, whether during disasters, everyday operations, or large planned events. FirstNet’s unique public safety features help emergency managers be more prepared, increase situational awareness, and better track assets and people. For better response and operations, emergency managers should know these five things about FirstNet.

The Patriot Award is a new award presented by the FirstNet Authority to individual first responders or public safety agencies that use FirstNet to make their communities safer. The inaugural award was presented to Chief Peter Burke of the Hyannis Fire Department in Massachusetts for contributions to advancing the operationalization of FirstNet and enhancing public safety in his community.

The FirstNet Authority Roadmap guides programs, activities, and investments to enhance FirstNet. The 2023 update to the Roadmap was created with feedback from public safety and aligns the FirstNet Authority’s efforts with the ongoing operational needs of responders.

The CommanDING Tech prize challenge explored ways to improve the quality of incident command dashboards. Participants worked to create a solution that would help commanding officers visualize actionable information, without overloading them with unnecessary data. The challenge—hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research Division and judged by FirstNet Authority staff—produced four winning solutions.

Prepare to unlock the boundless potential of innovation and collaboration at the highly anticipated 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, presented by NIST PSCR and the FirstNet Authority. Immerse yourself in a dynamic program featuring thought leaders, captivating keynotes, hands-on demonstrations, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Researchers who are driving innovation and making a real impact in the emergency communications field won’t want to skip 5x5.