That's right... one billion dollars! First responders are finally going to get the money they need to update their outdated communications systems.

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 created a Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program which makes available $968,385,000 in grants to first responders across the United States. The money for this grant program will be generated from the upcoming spectrum auction as part of the transition to digital television.

The PSIC grant program will assist public safety agencies in the acquisition, deployment, and training of interoperable communications systems that utilize- or enable interoperability with communications systems that can utilize- reallocated 700 MHz spectrum to enhance interoperable communications of voice, data, and/or video signals.

In his remarks at a press conference announcing the availability of the money, Secy. Chertoff stressed an important point about the role of governance that I think deserves some thoughtful consideration.

Let me conclude by saying this. You know part of the capability that is necessary is not just a matter of equipment. I mean clearly you have got to have the right equipment. But it is also a matter of training and it's a matter of having a common agreement on governance.

People have to know what are the frequencies they're going to use or what is the gateway they're going to use to bridge the frequencies. They have to know what language they're going to use . . . They have to determine who are the command elements that actually talk to one another.

Some of this is a matter that can be addressed by money, but some of it requires frankly getting people to sit down and come to a common vision of the way they're going to organize themselves so they can be interoperable.

To date, FRC supporters have collected over 5,500 signatures in support of a National First Responder Appreciation Day that honors all first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.

I want to give a special thanks to Ann Murphy from Scotland, Georgia for not only signing the petition but getting her friends, family members and local first responders to support this important cause.

Ann answered the call to get others in her community involved and signed up 200 of her friends and neighbors. Thanks for your amazing efforts, Ann!

It is because of the groundswell of support we've received from thousands of concerned citizens like Ann that enabled us to get the Senate to pass S.Res.215 - a resolution to make September 25th National First Responder Appreciation Day.

Our goal now is to get the House of Representatives to pass a similar resolution, and to do that we're going to need your help. Here's what you can do:

1. If you haven't done so already, sign the petition!

2. Contribute a few bucks so we can keep the campaign alive!

3. Tell as many people as you know that if catfish deserve a national day of recognition, then so do the brave men and women who protect our communities!

4. Spread the word by adding us as your friend on your MySpace or Facebook!