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Fire burns on a smoky horizon with pine trees in the foreground

The Cameron Peak Fire was the largest wildland fire in Colorado’s history. Don Patterson, a firefighter and communications expert, deployed to the fire knowing that broadband communications would play a huge role, particularly with the threat of COVID-19. Deployables and other advanced technologies helped everyone communicate — from incident command at the base camp to frontline firefighters.

Bruce Fitzgerald headshot; two emergency managers monitoring a storm on their computers

FirstNet Authority Senior Emergency Management Advisor Bruce Fitzgerald spent more than 15 years in public safety and crisis management, responding to major disasters and assisting with recovery and mitigation. At the FirstNet Authority, he works with emergency managers to understand their needs and demonstrate how mobile broadband can support all phases of emergency management.

An illuminated, large aerostat, or blimp, with the FirstNet Built with AT&T logo is being prepared to take flight at night in an open field.

In 2020, America’s first responders battled severe wildfires, the pandemic and one of the most active hurricane seasons on record. They are now on the frontlines of nationwide vaccination efforts. Watch a webinar with Congressional leadership, public safety, FirstNet Authority, and AT&T to learn how FirstNet supports these efforts. 

Headshot of John Hunt with gradient background of 9-1-1 call operator .

FirstNet Authority Senior 9-1-1/Emergency Communications Advisor John Hunt spent more than 35 years advancing public safety communications technology. At the FirstNet Authority, he works with emergency communications center personnel to understand how FirstNet can benefit operations and how mobile broadband will complement Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies.   

Electrical worker fixing telephone wire; EMS worker using smartphone in the back of an ambulance; volunteer fireman using tablet in front of fire engine; emergency manager looking at a map on a screen; sheriff watching fireworks; firefighter; 9-1-1 operator sitting at a computer
Every spring, we take time to honor those in emergency communications, the fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and our nation’s public servants. Throughout April and May, we celebrate these brave men and women and thank them for their dedication, courage, and sacrifices.