Beaverton, OR., Nov. 17, 2021 – Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Chief (ret.) Mike Duyck has been awarded the prestigious Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award (Harlin McEwen Award) for his leadership and commitment to the advancement of broadband communications for public safety personnel across Oregon and nationwide.
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announced the award today at its quarterly board meeting. The award was created in honor of Chief (ret.) Harlin R. McEwen who was a driving force in the establishment of FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, and was the founding chair of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC).
“I am humbled and grateful to receive such a prestigious award,” said Chief Duyck. “Public safety employees put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our communities. It is an honor to serve with these great people, and I will continue to advocate for the best broadband communication capabilities to ensure they can safely execute their mission.”
The FirstNet Authority established the Harlin McEwen Award in 2017 to recognize the spirit of service, commitment, and dedication of the nation’s first responders. The award is given to an individual who has contributed to the advancement of broadband communications used for daily public safety operations and responses to incidents and emergencies of all types and sizes.
“For more than a decade, Chief Duyck has played an integral role in the advancement of public safety broadband communications,” said newly appointed FirstNet Authority Board Chair Stephen Benjamin. “His advocacy for the needs of first responders was crucial to the initial procurement of the D-Block for public safety, which ultimately transformed into the FirstNet broadband spectrum. We are forever grateful for his dedication, service, and leadership.”
Chief Duyck began his career more than 30 years ago and has served in all ranks of emergency services as well as fleet services, human resources, logistics, emergency management, and government affairs. Throughout his career, Chief Duyck has served in various leadership positions to aid in the transformation of the nation’s 9-1-1 system, ensuring it is up to date, interoperable and secure against cyberattacks.
Following his retirement in 2019 from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Chief Duyck continues to make significant contributions in the field of public safety broadband communications. He currently represents the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association on the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) and the PSAC Executive Committee, the Public Safety Technology Alliance, and the Public Safety 9-1-1 Coalition.
About the First Responder Network Authority
The FirstNet Authority is an independent entity within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Created in 2012, its mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/media kit and follow the FirstNet Authority (@FirstNetGov) on Facebook, Twitter,  LinkedIn, and Instagram for updates.
