Smoke rises near five wildland firefighters working to put out remnants of a fire in an open space amongst trees.

Connecting Wildland Firefighters with FirstNet

When a wildfire broke out near Glenwood, Washington, first responders quickly discovered the remote area had nearly no cell service. Needing to communicate with one another as well as check weather reports and order additional supplies, the incident management team requested a FirstNet deployable asset. Within hours, the firefighters were connected with the situational awareness they needed.


Three photos: first photo is a telecommunicator taking a call from home, second photo is a group of telecommunicators sitting at computers set up on tables, third photo is two telecommunicators looking at a workstation in an emergency communications center.

Webinar Preview: Emergency Communications Centers and FirstNet

The FirstNet Authority’s 9-1-1/emergency communications team is hosting a nationwide webinar, the Emergency Communications Center and FirstNet. This event will help emergency communications center professionals learn more about FirstNet and have the opportunity to share feedback.



The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) logo and image of Public Safety Advisory Committee representatives making a presentation at a FirstNet Authority Board Meeting.

PSAC Profile: National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is a national association representing all EMS practitioners, including paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency response personnel. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, NAEMT provides input on issues that are essential to emergency medical technicians.


FirstNet Authority logo with gradient blue background

Remembering Ray Flynn

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is saddened to learn of the passing of Assistant Sheriff Raymond Flynn (Ret.) of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Ray’s family and friends.

Orange lava flows down the side of a volcano

FirstNet-Enabled Drones Enhance Situational Awareness During Volcano Eruption

A research team from Texas A&M University traveled to Hawaii when the Kilauea volcano erupted in 2018. Using small drones and the FirstNet network, they live-streamed the lava flow to the emergency operations center more than 30 miles away. FirstNet provided the connection and bandwidth needed to share quality footage in real time, enabling first responders to quickly plan and respond to impending dangers.


An aerial view of a body of water surrounded by trees. A FirstNet deployable Satellite Cell on Light Truck (SatCOLT).

Tribal nations respond to coronavirus with help from FirstNet

First responders in tribal nations are tackling the COVID-19 health crisis with dedication and innovation, and many are turning to technology solutions to enhance their operations. Tribal nations like the Colville Tribes in Washington have gotten a boost in coverage from FirstNet at testing sites and emergency operation centers.  


First responders across a variety of fields connected by a network

FirstNet is Interoperability

CEO Edward Parkinson reflects on how the First Authority is keeping public safety’s unique communication needs at the forefront of technology as it delivers the only interoperable communications network that public safety asked for and needs for its mission. As public safety’s communications needs advance, the FirstNet Authority will ensure the network continues to grow and evolve in the future.


Six photos of first responders: a headshot of a woman, a man running with a dog, a firefighter inside a firehouse, a firefighter in front of a fire truck, a woman kneeling with two dogs, and a man in a police uniform.

Honoring the Nation's First Responders

America’s first responders are at the heart of the FirstNet Authority’s mission. Many FirstNet Authority staff are either current or former public safety officials. Collectively, they have deep experience in all public safety disciplines. We celebrate all first responders on Honoring the Nation's First Responders Day, and we appreciate their service every day of the year.


Cover of Roadmap 2020 report over a graphic representation of a network spreading outwards and incorporating symbols of each of the six Roadmap domains.

Public Safety, Data Drive New Updates to FirstNet Authority Roadmap

The First Responder Network Authority is pleased to unveil the 2020 FirstNet Roadmap. The newly updated Roadmap incorporates feedback from thousands of public safety stakeholders and reflects emerging technology trends identified by academic and industry experts in the fields of communications and technology. The Roadmap is central to the delivery of a differentiated broadband communications experience for public safety.


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