(Chicago, Ill.) – Chief Christopher Lombard was awarded the Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award today for his remarkable leadership and extensive contributions to public safety broadband communications.
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) presented the award at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit. The annual summit is hosted by the FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division.
This prestigious national award was created in honor of Chief McEwen who dedicated his career to improving communications for first responders. The award is given to an individual who demonstrates the spirit of service, commitment, and dedication to advancing communications for public safety.
“I am so humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Chief Lombard. “As a first responder and a chief officer, one of my primary goals is to see everyone get home safely every day. I have always felt that effective communications is a force-multiplier in that effort. I feel so blessed to have played a small part in bringing responders the communications tools and capabilities they need to be safer as they protect their communities.”
Chief Lombard is a national leader in public safety communications, championing the adoption of technologies for public safety operations. An active first responder for more than 30 years, Chief Lombard has responded to major emergencies across the nation, including the September 11 attacks and natural disasters.
Within the Seattle Fire Department, Chief Lombard has held many roles — including overseeing Seattle’s fire/EMS 9-1-1 center and later standing up the city’s new, primary 9-1-1 center, the Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department, which fields more than 900,000 calls every year. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Chief of Resource Management.
He has served on the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) since its creation, and currently represents the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). In 2021, Chief Lombard became chair of the PSAC.
“Chief Lombard is highly respected in the public safety community for his leadership, advocacy, and actions in advancing public safety communications,” said FirstNet Authority Executive Director and CEO Joe Wassel. “His commitment to public safety is admirable, and his contributions to emergency communications have been important and impactful.”
Additionally, he serves as the vice chair of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s public safety advisory group, known as SAFECOM; chair of the IAFC Communications Committee; and a member of the National Fire Protection Association’s 1225 committee, which helps develop standards for emergency response communications.
“Chief Lombard’s efforts to build community and improve communications for first responders has made a great impact nationwide,” FirstNet Authority Board Chair Chief Richard Carrizzo said. “His efforts cannot be overstated, and his leadership has benefitted public safety at all levels.”
