The FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advocacy team works hand-in-hand with public safety to make sure their needs are represented in the FirstNet network buildout and evolution. In the North region, six public safety advisors cover 16 states and bring a wealth of public safety expertise to their roles as advocates.
Blog
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) provides resources and advocacy for volunteer firefighters, EMS, and rescue personnel across the nation. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, the NVFC brings the voice of volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services to the deployment and operation of the FirstNet network.
In March 2020, several tornadoes tore across middle Tennessee. In Putnam County, 80 miles outside of Nashville, an EF-4 tornado caused major damage to structures and a public safety radio tower. With communications severely limited, state and local first responders turned to FirstNet for coverage from deployables and push-to-talk on smartphones.
When a violent tornado hit northeast Arkansas in March 2020, it caused major destruction to homes, businesses, and a shopping mall, mangling vehicles, damaging an airport, and derailing a train. Despite the wreckage, FirstNet kept first responders connected and communicating throughout the storm and its aftermath.
Gainesville’s public works use FirstNet on their cell phones and tablets to deploy resources and people, track work orders, and communicate with staff in the field. With these tools in place, they can get their work done more efficiently, and work in partnership with other responders.