Legislation to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 5 and advanced out of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee to the full Energy and Commerce Committee on February 10.
APCO CTO Appointed to Public Safety Advisory Committee Executive Committee
Michael Adkinson, acting chair for the FirstNet Authority Board, recently appointed APCO International Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Stephen Devine as a member of the Executive Committee (EC) of the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). Devine brings 40 years of experience in public safety communications spanning from spectrum management, dispatch operations and Project 25 technologies.
Written Testimony: On the Front Lines of Connectivity: Examining FirstNet’s Role in Public Safety
APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier Testifies in Congress on FirstNet Reauthorization
On January 28, APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier testified before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media at a hearing titled “On the Front Lines of Connectivity: Examining FirstNet’s Role in Public Safety.”
APCO Joins Public Safety Leaders to Champion FirstNet Reauthorization
APCO International joined leaders from the nation’s most prominent public safety organizations to urge lawmakers on Capitol Hill to swiftly and permanently reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) before its legislative sunset in February 2027.
2024 Hurricane Helene: Validating North Carolina NG9-1-1
In September 2024, the system was put to the test when Hurricane Helene inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars worth of damage to the southeast, including the 9-1-1 infrastructure.
Maui Wildfire Response
The town of Lahaina lay at ground zero of the Maui wildfires of August 2023. It suffered nearly complete destruction, and 100 people died from the fast-moving fires. In the immediate aftermath, urban search and rescue (USAR) teams flew in from the mainland to help.
APCO’s Steve Devine Talks Tech Trends in 9-1-1
Steve shared his thoughts on the biggest trends in 9-1-1 technology, including the transition from analog to digital systems with Next Generation 9-1-1. Steve also discussed the role of public safety broadband in the emergency communications center (ECC) and the issues APCO is prioritizing to support telecommunicators.
9-1-1 Exec Renee Gordon Named Vice Chair of FirstNet Authority Board
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announced today that Renee Gordon has been named Vice Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board, effective immediately.
