Val Demings Champions the First Responder Network Authority

This week, U.S. Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., showcased her proposal to “prevent the sunset of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), a nationwide broadband network for public safety communications” which “was created to fulfill one of the central recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

Demings, who served more than a quarter-century in the Orlando Police Department where she rose to serve as police chief, is currently running for the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.

Demings introduced the proposal at the end of last week and highlighted it on Tuesday with the support of U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Tex.

“As a former 27-year law enforcement officer and chief of police, chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, and as the mother of a firefighter, it is critical that Congress pass this legislation to enhance first responder communications. This has been a goal since September 11th, 2001, when I remember serving as commander of the Orlando Police Officers stationed at Orlando International Airport and struggling to receive comprehensive and timely information,” Demings said. “As we work to keep Floridians and all Americans safe, we must empower first responders and emergency managers with the tools and technology they need to share information, coordinate responses, and protect the people under their care. I’m proud to cosponsor this common-sense legislation support our first responders and communities.”

“Our first responders rely on FirstNet to communicate with each other when our community needs them the most. I am glad to work with Congresswoman Demings to introduce this legislation to make FirstNet permanent and ensure first responders have the communication tools they need to stay safe and support communities in all the ways they can at all times,” Fletcher said.

“I commend Rep. Demings and Rep. Fletcher for their leadership in introducing legislation to reauthorize FirstNet. FirstNet has been a game-changer for public safety communications. Its establishment of a national public safety broadband network has given first responders priority and preemption on their own spectrum and allowed multiple agencies to communicate within and across jurisdictions. Capabilities that were critically needed a decade ago and have revolutionized emergency response nationwide. I strongly recommend that Congress reauthorize this critically important program,” said Chief Kenneth Stuebing, the president and board chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Chris Lombard, the deputy fire chief of the Seattle, Washington Fire Department and chair of the FirstNet Public Safety Advisory Committee, also applauded the proposal.

“Congress outlined a framework for FirstNet to ensure it was designed by first responders for first responders. This holds true today, as the FirstNet Authority has faithfully carried out its mission. With more than 3 million connections supporting nearly 20,000 public safety agencies using the network today, this legislation will enable the FirstNet Authority to continue to deliver on its promise to public safety. Thank you to Representatives Demings and Fletcher for their leadership in introducing this critical legislation supporting the nationwide public safety broadband network that myself and so many first responders rely on every day,” Lombard said.

Orlando Chief of Police Orlando Rolón is also backing the proposal.

“Being able to communicate in a timely manner during critical incidents is vital for law enforcement agencies. The FirstNet system is an important tool for law enforcement and other first responders as we work to ensure effective, efficient responses in emergency situations as we work to keep our communities safe,” Rolón said,

The bill was also sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.