Improving America's Emergency Preparedness - The First Response Coalition

DHS Introduces National Response Framework; Leaves Out Interoperability Framework

2008-01-23T12:36:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced the final version of the National Response Framework, which will become effective March 22, 2008. The Framework will serve as a guide for implementing a coordinated emergency response process by aligning key roles and responsibilities across the nation amongst government and non-government entities.

The National Response Framework is in five chapters. Each chapter explains the key responsibilities and best practices that should be used at each level of government, the private sector, and NGOs.

Chapter I - Roles and Responsibilities. This chapter sharpens the focus on who is involved with emergency management activities at the local, tribal, State, and Federal levels and with the private sector and NGOs.
Chapter II - Response Actions. This chapter describes what we as a Nation collectively do to respond to incidents.
Chapter III - Response Organization. This chapter explains how we as a Nation are organized to implement response actions.
Chapter IV - Planning: A Critical Element of Effective Response. This chapter emphasizes the importance of planning and summarizes the elements of national planning structures.
Chapter V - Additional Resources. This final chapter summarizes the content and plan for the online NRF Resource Center. This website provides supplemental information to assist practitioners implement state-of-the-art support for the Framework with additional support tools shaped by and addressed to the response community.

The FRC recognizes the importance of planning and organizing between different entities as outlined by the Framework, but believes that the DHS guidelines will fall short of its goals without seamless interoperable communications. To realize the potential of the Framework, the FRC believes that Homeland Security should also create guidelines for developing and implementing effective interoperable networks. Together, both the National Response Framework and interoperable communications guidelines will dramatically improve the nation's emergency response capabilities.

Public Safety Communications - 700 MHz and E9-1-1 First Responder Awards

2008-01-15T18:25:00.000-05:00

News and notes from the world of first responder communications. . .

Frontline Wireless Drops Out of 700 MHz Auction
We told them so! With the 700 MHz auction rapidly approaching, Frontline Wireless a company that fought for setting aside part of the spectrum for creating a national public safety network said that it would no longer bid in the auction and has gone out of business. Analysts believe Frontline dropped out because it could not raise the minimum $1.3 billion it needed to bid for the 10 MHz of commercial spectrum in the public safety D-block. FRC was among a number of focal critics of the Frontline efforts, which seemed designed more to profit a few companies than to really help First Responders. It is not clear who will bid for this set aside spectrum at this point.

Nominate a First Responder for an E9-1-1 Institute Award
The E9-1-1 Institute is sponsoring the 5th Annual Awards Ceremony for first responders that have used emergency communications effectively. The Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Ted Stevens, Senator Hilary Clinton, Representative John Shimkus, and Representative Anna Eschoo will be handing out the awards. You can nominate a first responder for an award HERE.

FRC in the News!
The FRC is featured in a Citizens Voice article, which explains how the Pennsylvania legislators hope to make September 25 the official day to recognize its first responders.

Plan Ahead: Upcoming First Responder Conferences

2008-01-08T11:57:00.000-05:00

In the previous post, I explain how first responders in North Carolina generally agree with the FRC's belief that improved interoperable communications, increased opportunities for training, and more funding would improve emergency preparedness. Here are some upcoming public safety events that will help first responders and government officials address these issues.

Who: National Defense Industrial Association
When: January 14 - 17, 2008
Where: Los Angeles, CA
What: The 2008 Homeland Security S&T Stakeholders Conference-West will offer uniformed first responders free training and information programs on January 14 and 17. First Responders will have a chance to ask the Science and Technology Directorate about public safety technology requirements at the state and local levels.

Who: The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO)
When: January 28 - 30, 2008
Where: Orlando, FL
What: This year's 2008 Winter Summit will focus exclusively on technology, the only executive-level event tailored to foster technical information sharing with others in the public safety communications field. The event will provide Public Safety Directors, Administrators, and Agency Chiefs with the opportunity to learn from Chief Technology Officers about important technology issues including: regulatory impacts of radio and rebanding, VoIP and wireless connectivity issues and strengthening networks and standardizing data exchange.

Who: The All Hazards Consortium
When: February 20 - 21, 2008
Where: Shepherdstown, WV
What: AHC will continue its mission to promote regional collaboration and evacuation procedures for Mid-Atlantic states at the
local and state level. The meeting will also focus on identifying possible collaboration efforts (e.g. regional baseline studies, exercises, gap analysis, database strategies, pilot projects, tools, and policy development) that may be funded or undertaken over the next several years.

The Future of Interoperability and Emergency Preparedness In North Carolina

2008-01-03T09:29:00.000-05:00

News and notes from the world of first responder communications. . .

Informed Medical Emergency Response: A Video About The Importance of Interoperable Communications

COMCARE is a non-profit advocacy group that focuses on improving emergency response efforts. The organization has created a video that explains the importance of interoperable communications and how such a network should operate. Be sure to watch this informative video by clicking HERE.

Emergency Preparedness: N.C. Summit Reveals Recurring Problems Faced By First Responders

On November 15, 2007, local and state first responders and government organizations convened at Western Carolina University to discuss how to "Prepare Today's Leaders for Tomorrow's Emergencies." The University's Public Policy Institute (PPI) summarized the summit's key findings in a policy and recommendation report. Some of the key findings noted in the report include the need for:

More state-of-the-art interoperable emergency communication systems that work in the mountain terrain of Western North Carolina. This was identified as a top priority.
Additional training and educational opportunities and resources are needed for officials at the local, state and federal levels.
Increased funding to purchase better technology, equipment and personnel resources.

It is not surprising that these core issues identified by North Carolina government and first response officials are the same problems that hinder other emergency officials throughout the country. Since its inception, the FRC has supported the need for interoperable communications and increased collaboration between different levels of government for emergency planning. Now that the main problems of emergency response have been identified, government and emergency officials must work together to find practical solutions to these problems.

Public Safety Communications - 700 MHz Public Safety Band GIS, and Public Alerts

2007-12-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

News and notes from the world of first responder communications. . .

The FCC Discusses 700 MHz Interoperability and 10 Year Network Build-Out Plan

Federal News Radio recently interviewed Erica Olsen, FCC Deputy Bureau Chief for the Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau, regarding how the FCC intends to create an effective national public safety network within the 700 MHz band. Some main points of the conversation include:

o The FCC believes that the goal of the public safety band is to create a more cohesive interoperability emergency network, to prevent past emergency communications problems experienced during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and after hurricane Katrina.

o The interoperability standards will be developed through the network sharing agreement that is agreed to by the Public Safety Spectrum Trust and the commercial licensee.

o The FCC has set time-specific benchmarks for the build-out of the public safety network. The FCC will use the benchmarks as a way of monitoring the commercial licensee's progress of developing a national public safety network within 10 years.

To listen to the entire discussion, click HERE and scroll down to "Communicating Faster."

Alabama is First State to Have State-Wide GIS Database

Alabama Governor Bob Riley recently announced that Alabama has created the first state-wide Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) program in the country. Under Riley's direction, the Alabama Department of Homeland Security and Google Earth have created a "Virtual Alabama" database that includes the GIS mapping data from each county. The database includes detailed satellite imagery and three-dimensional structures of critical infrastructure throughout the state. With access to Virtual Alabama, the governor believes emergency officials will be much better equipped to respond to large scale disasters.

A recent FRC blog post explains the how GIS technology has improved emergency response in Clark County Alabama.

Bloomberg Introduces "Notify NYC" Emergency Public Information Pilot Program

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently introduced a pilot program called Notify NYC. By sending emergency information via e-mail or text messages, the pilot program allows individuals to receive information occurring four areas of New York City. Based on the type of emergency, Notify NYC will either send "alerts," time sensitive information about emergencies or "notifications," general information advisories. People interested in signing up for Notify NYC can do so by clicking HERE.

First Responders Benefit from Louisiana Army National Guard's Adoption of Interoperability Network

2007-12-04T13:51:00.000-05:00

The Louisiana Army National Guard's (LAARNG) contract with Rivada Networks will provide the state's first responders access to high-speed voice and data services by way of a fully interoperable network that connects cell phones, landlines, traditional Land Mobile Radio (LMR's) systems. Rivada develops interoperable networks by leasing spectrum from commercial carriers, and uses call routing links to connect commercial and private networks.

With 74 units in 43 cities and towns in Louisiana, LAARNG is the only Armed Forces division to have a dual federal and state role. In this capacity, LAARNG's agreement with Rivada will allow local first responders and the National Guard to communicate with each other when responding to an emergency.

Rivada serves the National Guard Bureau in 16 states and developed emergency communications systems for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Association of Public-Safety communications Officials-International (APCO) says the company has an "excellent record of providing critical services to first responders." The success of Rivada's privately operated interoperable networks shows the importance of providing an interoperability framework that all first responders can use.

Plan Ahead: Upcoming First Responder Conferences

2007-11-27T12:15:00.000-05:00

Who: All Hazards Consortium (AHC)
When: December 10, 2007 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: George Washington University, Washington, DC
What: AHC will present the findings and recommendations of the recently released regional Fusion Center Workshop Report. Topics in the report will cover: Fusion Center interoperability across the region, staffing and resources, potential partnerships and projects, state intelligence cycles, common analyst criteria, and continuity of operations planning and collaboration.

Who: The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO)
When: January 28 - 30, 2008
Where: Orlando, FL
What: This year's 2008 Winter Summit will focus exclusively on technology, the only executive-level event tailored to foster technical information sharing with others in the public safety communications field. The event will provide Public Safety Directors, Administrators, and Agency Chiefs with opportunity to learn from Chief Technology Officers about important technology issues including: regulatory impacts of radio and rebanding, VoIP and wireless connectivity issues and strengthening networks and standardizing data exchange.

GIS Mapping Assists First Responders

2007-11-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Clark County Alabama emergency officials credit Geospatial Information System (GIS) mapping as an effective way to improve emergency response. With the coordinates of its roads, businesses, residences, fire hydrants and other structures accurately mapped, the county's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) can relay the coordinate location of the emergency to first responders. Using GPS in their vehicles, emergency personnel can plug in the GIS coordinates and be directed to the exact location. First responders can also send their on-site position back to headquarters to direct additional support to the scene of an emergency. The Clark County EMA says the GIS mapping has other useful purposes. For example, it has allowed them to chart where sex offenders live and determine whether they are violating the law by living within one mile of a school, and even help determine the location of a missing person.

Clark County provides a great example of how technologies such as GIS mapping and GPS can help facilitate emergency response.

Public Safety Communications - 700 MHz and Public Health/Emergency Capabilities

2007-11-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

News and notes from the world of first responder communications. . .

1. 700 MHz Requirements for Public Safety D-Block Finalized for FCC's Review
The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) issued revised requirements to create an interoperable public safety broadband network that built on the 700 MHz D-block license. NPSTC's statement of requirements is intended to communicate the network functions and characteristics the public safety community finds necessary for a network that public safety agencies will participate in and rely upon.

2. Joint Advisory Committee Seeks Comments on Medical and Public Health Emergency Communications Capabilities
The FCC/NTIA Joint Advisory Committee on Communications Capabilities of Emergency Medical and Public Health Care Facilities is examining the communications capabilities and needs of emergency medical and public health care facilities. The Committee is currently accepting written submissions on these issues, and will report its findings to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce before February 2008. Submissions should be sent to lisa.fowlkes@fcc.gov.

3. FRC in the News!
The FRC was featured in an Asheville Citizen-Times editorial, which stressed the need for increased funding and action to improve emergency preparedness.

FRC Continues its Work in Support of First Responders

2007-11-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

The FRC is a strong voice for first responders, working everyday to promote key issues that affect first responders and the communities they serve.

As you may know, Steven Jones has moved on from the FRC to pursue new opportunities and we wish Steven all the best. He was a tireless advocate for the public safety community and accomplished great things for the FRC. His work culminated in the National First Responder Appreciation Day campaign, which saw the Senate unanimously pass a resolution to honor first responders and a companion resolution introduced in the House of Representatives.

The FRC continues to promote National First Responder Appreciation Day as well as other important public safety communications issues. Visit our blog and website in the coming weeks to keep up to date on the latest news on issues such as the 700 MHz spectrum auction, emergency communications for hospitals, interoperability grants, and more.

Thank You!

2007-10-12T14:15:00.000-04:00

The FRC wants to thank all of its supporters and members of Congress for recognizing September 25th as "National First Responder Appreciation Day," and contributing to the FRC's Capitol Hill celebration event. It was a great success! The FRC will continue working to ensure September 25th is recognized as a tribute to all first responders' contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public safety.

National Response Framework Draft Remains Open For Comment

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced a draft National Response Framework (NRF) in September. The NRF builds upon the 2005 National Response Plan which was found to be too bureaucratic. The Framework outlines the structure for implementing a coordinated emergency response process by aligning key roles and responsibilities across the nation.

The Framework is broken up into five chapters. Each chapter explains the key responsibilities and best practices that should be used at the federal, state and local levels.

Chapter I - Roles and Responsibilities. This chapter sharpens the focus on who is involved with incident response activities at the community, tribal, state and federal levels and with private sector businesses and NGO's.
Chapter II - Response Actions. This chapter describes what we as a nation collectively do under the Framework: prepare, respond and recover.
Chapter III - Incident Management. This chapter explains how the National Incident Management System (NIMS) concepts and structures are applied to achieve incident response objectives.
Chapter IV - Planning: Cornerstone of a Broader Preparedness Strategy. This chapter emphasizes the importance of planning within the broader national preparedness strategy and briefly summarizes the elements of a national planning system.
Chapter V - Additional Resources. This chapter summarizes the content and plan for the online NRF Resource Center. This website provides supplemental information to assist practitioners implement NIMS, Emergency Support Functions Annexes, Support and Incident Annexes, and the National Preparedness Guidelines.

Recently, DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff announced that the comment period on the proposed NRF guidelines would be extended until November, 10 2007. First Responders can request a comment form by sending an e-mail to mailto:fema-nrf@dhs.gov?subject=NRF%20Comment%20Form%20Request

First Responders Celebrated on Capitol Hill

2007-09-25T15:13:00.000-04:00

Members of Congress, public safety representatives and national supporting organizations joined the FRC on the first annual "National First Responder Appreciation Day" to thank the country's first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.

Representative Steve Cohen (TN - 9th) joined the FRC in urging the House to pass H.Res.592, and discussed his plans to support returning war veterans in their pursuit of a career in public safety. He intends to introduce legislation to provide funding to cities, counties, and states to train and pay the first year's salaries of veterans of Iraq and/or Afghanistan who pursue a career in the emergency services.

The FRC's effort to honor first responders has resonated across the nation, with initiatives to establish September 25th as a day of recognition launched at the local, state, and federal level.

Pennsylvania state senator Lisa Baker introduced a resolution to establish September 25, 2007 as "Pennsylvania First Responder Recognition Day." The communities of Weatherford and Bedford, in Texas, both issued proclamations commemorating September 25th and thanking their local first responders.

You're Invited to the First Responder Day Press Event!

2007-09-18T14:29:00.000-04:00

Join us in celebrating the inaugural...

"NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION DAY"

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 11:00 AM

2226 Rayburn House Office Building

Please RSVP to:

Steven Jones

202-263-2904

SJones@FirstResponseCoalition.org

Join us as we recognize the men and women of the emergency services for their sacrifices, contributions and dedication to public service.

AGENDA:

Welcome & Introduction:
Steven Jones, Executive Director - First Response Coalition

Mr. Jones will thank first responders, recognize supporters, and urge passage of H.Res.592, the "National First Responder Appreciation Day" resolution

Presentation & Recognition:
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN - 9th)
Rep. Cohen will honor America's first responders and discuss how Congress can help returning veterans pursue a public safety career

Supporting Remarks:

Mr. Johnny Brewington, President
International Association of Black Professional Firefighters

Mr. Joe Davis, Director of Public Affairs
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Mr. Ronald Hampton, Executive Director
National Black Police Association

Major Todd Hawks, National Secretary for Public Affairs
The Salvation Army

Members of Congress, first responders, the media and supporting organizations have been invited to attend this event.

URGENT!! First Responders Need Your Support!!

2007-09-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

The Congress has less than a week left to pass a House resolution designating September 25, 2007 as National First Responder Appreciation Day. Send a letter to your Representatives TODAY urging them to:

1. Help bring the resolution to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible.

2. Support the call for a National First Responder Appreciation Day by signing on as a co-sponsor of H.Res.592.

3. Urge their colleagues to support the resolution.

H.Res.592, the National First Responder Appreciation Day resolution, was introduced into the House in July... but Congress still hasn't scheduled it for a vote!

Our first responders might not get the national day of appreciation that they deserve unless we convince the Congress to act!

Make your voices heard! Click here to send a letter to your Representatives TODAY urging them to support National First Responder Appreciation Day!

"He's Basically Feeding the Fire"

2007-09-14T15:20:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's Friday, I'm punchy and this is too funny not to share.

The (mostly healthy) rivalry that exists between firefighters and cops is no secret. "Reno 911!" does a great spoof on this rivalry that you just have to check out.

Some of my favorite lines:

"Oh my God it's the fire department!"

"When we're not fightin' crime we're in here fightin' frowns."

"He's basically feeding the fire."

Always Remember, Never Forget

2007-09-11T10:36:00.000-04:00

On this 6th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the FRC remembers all those who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. You will never be forgotten.

Click on the image below to view the names of all victims, including photos and bios.

9/11 Anniversary Chance to Honor First Responders

2007-09-10T16:29:00.000-04:00

The FRC released the following statement today, on the eve of the six year anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

"As the nation reflects upon the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the FRC calls upon Congress to honor the heroic men and women of the emergency services by making September 25th 'National First Responder Appreciation Day.' Following the tragic events of 9/11, the full magnitude of the contributions and sacrifices made by first responders in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia became apparent to us all. As the Nation mourned the loss of so many innocent lives, Americans across the country also praised their local firefighters, police officers and emergency medical professionals as 'hometown heroes.'

Making September 25th 'National First Responder Appreciation Day' is a simple- yet powerful and long overdue- gesture the Congress can make to honor our first responders for their everyday contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service. The FRC urges the House of Representatives to follow the Senate's lead in passing a resolution recognizing September 25th as ‘'National First Responder Appreciation Day.'"

If you want to help our first responders, please send a letter to Congress today urging them to support the FRC's effort to give our first responders the national day of appreciation they so richly deserve.

Nat'l. First Responder Day: ACTION ALERT!!

2007-08-23T13:47:00.000-04:00

We are one step closer to giving our first responders the national day of appreciation they deserve!

Congressman Dave Reichert- himself the former Sheriff of King County, Washington- has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing September 25, 2007 as National First Responder Appreciation Day!

Getting the resolution introduced is an important first step, but we still have to convince Congress to act!

Click here to urge your Congressperson to support a national day of appreciation for our first responders TODAY!

Social Network for First Responders

2007-08-13T10:22:00.000-04:00

Judging from its name, you might be inclined to think that FirefighterNation.com is a "firefighters only" social network.

While the site is maintained by Dave Iannone- who himself has over 20 years experience in the fire/rescue services, and is the founder and former publisher of Firehouse.com- FirefighterNation.com is for all firefighters, rescue, EMS professionals and other emergency responders.

Check 'em out! And while you're there, be sure to add the FRC as a friend and join the "Make September 25th National First Responder Appreciation Day" group!

FCC Moves on Interoperability

2007-08-01T14:41:00.000-04:00

The Federal Communications Commission released yesterday the rules it adopted for the auction of spectrum in the 700MHz band, marking an important step towards the creation of a nationwide public safety-commercial broadband network.

As RCR reports, "The agency voted to designate for auction a nationwide 10MHz spectrum block adjacent to a 12MHz public-safety block that will be available for consumer and first-responder communications, with the latter having priority access during emergencies."

Dailywireless.org provides a detailed breakdown of the 700 MHz Band Plan, but I've distilled the most significant public safety provisions below.

The 10MHz Upper D Block will be licensed on a nationwide basis and will become part of a 700 MHz Public Safety/Private Partnership.

Within the 24MHz of public safety spectrum, the public safety wideband spectrum is being re-designated for broadband use (12MHz of narrowband and 12MHz of broadband) to allow for nationwide interoperable broadband communications by public safety users.

The public safety broadband spectrum is placed in a 10MHz block at the bottom of this band (creating a 22MHz broadband block), and the existing public safety narrowband spectrum is consolidated in a 12MHz block at the top of the band.

There will be a single, nationwide license for the public safety broadband spectrum, assigned to a Public Safety Broadband Licensee, which will work with the adjacent commercial D Block licensee as part of the 700 MHz Public Safety/Private Partnership.

The Upper D Block commercial licensee and the Public Safety Broadband Licensee will form a Public Safety/Private Partnership to develop a shared, nationwide interoperable network for both commercial and public safety users.

It's good to see that the many competing proposals considered by the Commission haven't derailed the DTV transition, which the FRC has long supported. The DTV transition is the fastest method for improving first responder communications and achieving interoperability, and the many "last-minute" and unproven proposals introduced, while well-intended, threatened to undo much of the work Congress had done to improve first responder communications.

While the FCC's rules are a positive step forward for achieving first responder interoperability, much work remains and many questions have been left unanswered.

What will the "public/private" partnership envisioned by the FCC look like? Under the conditions set by the FCC, who will be willing to partner with first responders on a shared national wireless network?

Will court challenges to the FCC's 700MHz rules complicate matters for the agency and first responders, thereby delaying the strides being made towards interoperability?

What additional action will Congress and policy makers take to provide funding and support to fix interoperability? If the 700 MHz auctions yield sufficient revenue, should additional funds beyond the $1 billion be allocated to public safety interoperability efforts? (Hint: YES!)

How can we facilitate greater cooperation between local, state, and federal governments - a persistent hurdle in efforts to achieve interoperability?
And will the Administration ever set a "date certain" by which to achieve interoperability so the nation can unite behind a single goal for our first responders?

Get Local, Get Vocal!

2007-07-24T16:21:00.000-04:00

Great ideas usually come from the bottom up and this is no exception.

Today I received an email from the Chief of Police in Bedford, Texas asking whether the FRC had developed a sample National First Responder Appreciation Day resolution that city councils, mayors, and other officials could read come September 25th.

We haven't, but what a great way for people to get involved in honoring their local first responders!

I urge every FRC supporter to reach out to their city council and encourage them to locally recognize the men and women of the emergency services on September 25th, National First Responder Appreciation Day.

Take the language from the Senate resolution to your first responders and elected officials and tell them to use it as a template to create a local resolution that reflects the contributions made by your local first responders.

The text of the Senate's resolution can be found here.

Can you think of other ways to encourage people in your community to recognize their first responders on September 25th?

FRC Partner USAEM to Host 1st Annual Meeting

2007-07-20T15:47:00.001-04:00

WHEN: August 20 - 22, 2007

WHERE: San Antonio

COST: Completely free!

Click for Brochure

USAEM is a unique organization- the "roundtable" of emergency care professionals comprised of nurses, EMS responders, and physicians- dedicated to improving the care of the critically ill or injured. Visit their website at: www.usaem.org.

$1 Billion Available for Emergency Comms

2007-07-19T09:55:00.000-04:00

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.

Chertoff is right when he concludes by saying that "Disciplined plans... are the keys to getting interoperability to become a reality." That was precisely the conclusion of the FRC's most recent paper (Interoperability Innovation: State Best Practices & Models for First Responder Communications - PDF), and I would encourage anyone who's interested in first responder communications to read it and share it with other first responders.

UPDATE: Nat'l. First Responder Appreciation Day

2007-07-18T12:16:00.000-04:00

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!

Join us in giving our first responders the national day of appreciation that they deserve!

Senate Passes "First Responder Day" Resolution

2007-06-21T09:16:00.000-04:00

First Response Coalition Commends Senate for Passing Resolution Making September 25th National First Responder Appreciation Day

FRC- Led Effort Now Seeks Similar Commitment from the House of Representatives

Washington, D.C., June 21, 2007 - In a bipartisan show of support for the men and women of the emergency services, the United States Senate last night passed an FRC-conceived resolution designating September 25th National First Responder Appreciation Day. The resolution (S.Res.215), introduced into the Senate by Senator Wayne Allard (CO), is cosponsored by over 30 Senators, including presidential hopefuls John McCain (AZ) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY).

Congress has seen fit to honor pigs and popcorn, catfish and ice cream with national days of recognition, yet there is no national day to honor the heroic firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel who protect our communities. Since December 2006, the First Response Coalition has asked Congress to establish an official day that recognizes first responders for their sacrifices, contributions and dedication to public service. To date, over 5,000 people have signed the FRC's online petition calling for a National First Responder Appreciation Day. Recently, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have endorsed the FRC campaign.

"The FRC would like to thank Senator Allard for his leadership on this issue. The FRC is very pleased with the strong support the Senate has shown for our first responders, and the swift action they have taken to help give our heroes the national day of appreciation and recognition that they deserve," said Steven Jones, FRC Executive Director. "I would like to today call on the House of Representatives to introduce a similar resolution as soon as possible, and ask President Bush to get his pen ready to make National First Responder Appreciation Day the annual day of recognition that it deserves to be."

Visit http://www.firstresponsecoalition.org/ to learn more about the FRC's campaign for a National First Responder Appreciation Day and to sign the FRC's petition to Congress.

For more information, contact Steven Jones at 202-263-2904 or sjones@FirstResponseCoalition.org.