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Jasper Bruner; a tree-covered hill with a broadband tower; an abstract design of interconnected circular lines and dotted lines radiation out from the center

Meet the Tribal Liaison: Jasper Bruner advocates for Tribal public safety

With over 20 years of experience in Tribal law enforcement and other public safety roles, FirstNet Authority National Tribal Government Liaison Jasper Bruner understands the demands of Tribal public safety operations. Jasper discusses FirstNet’s role in Tribal public safety and how dedicated broadband can help those in Indian Country stay connected.

Deployed AT&T FirstNet SatCOLTin the wilderness. SatCOLTs, or satellite cell on light trucks, are mobile cell sites designed to establish a steady and consistent broadband connection.

Danger on Chalk Mountain: FirstNet SatCOLT helps Texas responders fight wildfire

When a dangerous wildfire tore through rural areas of Somervell County, Texas, the local fire department, and sheriff's office quickly mobilized to tackle the unfolding crisis. The response to the fire –named the Chalk Mountain wildfire – was hindered by the rugged terrain and intensity, which created issues with maintaining coverage. Recognizing the urgent need for a dependable and secure connection, Assistant Fire Chief of the Somervell County Fire Department of the Somervell Sheriff’s Office requested a FirstNet SatCOLT. This FirstNet network asset was pivotal to supporting communications and data sharing among responding agencies.

Two public safety officials look at multiple computer monitors at a workstation

Emergency managers’ real-world experiences help shape the future of FirstNet

The FirstNet Authority convened a cohort of emergency management professionals from across the country to tell us about how FirstNet works in the real world. This group provided valuable feedback about how they currently use FirstNet for emergency management, the challenges they’ve faced, and what they’d like to see in the future.

A series of interconnected networks; “3GPP TSG#101 11-15 September 2023, Bengaluru

September 3GPP Plenary meetings feature Release 18 progress, Release 19 beginnings

During the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Plenary’s September 2023 meetings, there was continued progress on Release 18, including features of interest for public safety and the development on the stage 3 protocol work. Additionally, the meetings included planning on Release 19 features and the start of preliminary discussions for Release 20.

Silhouette of five first responders representing the fire service, emergency management, EMS, 9-1-1, and law enforcement. Background of the American flag.

National First Responders Day: A frontline perspective on sacrifice

Renee Gordon, FirstNet Authority Board Vice Chair, has dedicated her career to public safety. In her roles as a 9-1-1 leader and police officer, she has seen first responders put to the test when faced with life-or-death decisions. In honor of National First Responders Day, she shares her perspectives as a first responder and how a responder’s risk calculus improves with FirstNet.