PSAC

FirstNet is more than just a network— it’s a lifeline for first responders. But how does the FirstNet Authority ensure it stays in tune with their needs? Hear from public safety leaders Assistant Chief Chris Lombard, Chief (Ret.) Harlin McEwen, and State Coordinator Shawn Talmadge to learn how The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), a group of diverse public safety experts, ensures the network’s evolution is shaped by the professionals who depend on it when it matters most.  

The volunteer EMS community is a vital part of our nation’s public safety efforts, especially in rural areas. FirstNet provides important communication benefits to all first responders. For smaller volunteer EMS agencies, FirstNet levels the playing field, giving access to the same quality of services and products that bigger agencies with more resources have.

The National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) is comprised of state leaders from the 56 states and territories who work to advance communications resiliency and interoperability for emergency response providers across the nation. Through its participation on the Public Safety Advisory Committee, the NCSWIC has helped make FirstNet more accessible to responders while also improving their ability to collaborate and exchange information more efficiently.

In this first blog of a two-part series, Executive Director and CEO Joe Wassel reflects on his first 100 days at the FirstNet Authority. Following a coast-to-coast tour where he met with first responders, he shares his thoughts, insights, and vision for the future of public safety communications.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents over 2,300 counties and provides legislative, research, and technical services to help serve the needs of the public. As part of these efforts, NACo works with public safety organizations to establish local priorities and align resources to achieve public safety goals. Through its participation on the Public Safety Advisory Committee, NACo gives local county leaders a voice in ensuring the FirstNet network addresses their emergency communication needs.

The FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) and Tribal Working Group (TWG) held their annual fall meetings. The TWG met in Boulder, Colorado to tour the FirstNet Lab, share their experiences with FirstNet equipment on tribal land, and offer insights on how to improve tribal public safety communications. PSAC members gathered in Tysons, Virginia to discuss FirstNet Authority accomplishments in 2022, FirstNet buildout progress, and upcoming plans and activities to support the network’s continued growth and expansion in 2023 and beyond.

During September, we remember the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks and recognize National Preparedness Month. These events serve as poignant reminders that emergencies can happen at any time, and it is critical for first responders to be prepared. The FirstNet Authority is working to strengthen emergency preparedness through ensuring the men and women of public safety can communicate when and where disaster strikes.

Before joining the FirstNet Authority as the EMS subject matter expert, Jon Olson spent 31 years working in EMS in Raleigh, North Carolina. We recently sat down with Jon to discuss his perspective on how the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network has evolved from concept to solution and how FirstNet will help advance EMS operations into the future.

 

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the legislation that created the FirstNet Authority. From our earliest days, the FirstNet Authority has collaborated with tribal leadership and organizations to better understand the needs of responders in Indian Country. We are working to expand broadband coverage into tribal communities that have historically lacked access to reliable communication services and offering advanced technologies to keep them connected.

Nlets – the International Justice and Public Safety Network is an international, not-for-profit corporation owned and managed by the 50 states and 5 U.S. territories. Since its establishment, Nlets has served the law enforcement community by enabling state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies to exchange and access public safety information. As a member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, Nlets provides critical input related to criminal justice information sharing and secure data exchange.

SAFECOM works to improve interoperable communications for emergency response providers across local, regional, tribal, state, territorial, and international borders, as well as with federal government entities. SAFECOM develops good governance practices to help guide state, local, and tribal governance groups on technology implementation, cybersecurity, usage, and broadband coverage needs. As a member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, SAFCOM provides critical input related to emergency communications planning.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) represents American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal governments and promotes the broad interests of Tribes and their citizens. NCAI has been an important member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, providing input on the unique communications challenges Tribal first responders face.

FirstNet is revolutionizing the delivery of public safety services for all users. Learn how FirstNet is expanding broadband coverage into rural areas that have been traditionally underserved or unserved.

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.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services helped patients and medical providers connect in real-time in a safe setting. In light of this, the FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisory Committee Telehealth Strike Team re-examined the widespread adoption of telehealth services and identified emerging telehealth case studies that may save lives, streamline medical services, and ensure quality patient care.

The FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) held a business meeting to report on committee operations, the progress of strike teams and working groups, and FirstNet’s most recent accomplishments and activities.

The International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) is dedicated to the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of public safety systems, representing over 8,800 members employed by government organizations and industry. IMSA has been an important member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, working to ensure the FirstNet network is designed to support all aspects of public safety’s critical communications needs.

Download and learn more about agencies collaborating with the Public Safety Advisory Committee. 

About the Public Safety Advisory Committee

Consistent with the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, the FirstNet Authority was required to establish a Public Safety Advis

The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) held its Spring Business Meeting to discuss the committee’s efforts in 2021 and its ongoing plans to support FirstNet’s growth and expansion. Discussions highlighted accomplishments and business updates in 2021, PSAC Strike Team efforts, and PSAC User Working Group updates.