By Victoria Lee, FirstNet Association Manager

The Alaska Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) held its annual leadership summit recently in the state’s capital of Juneau. The five-day event was focused on continuing development of skills and knowledge, and featured presentations from representatives of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Western Fire Chiefs Association, Alaska State Firefighters Association, Alaska Municipal League Department, and more.

I had the opportunity, along with Alaska single point of contact (SPOC) Major Matt Leveque of the Alaska State Troopers, to present and answer questions about the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN), including recent developments and movement along the roadmap. We discussed the upcoming RFP and how it is important to have input from the fire/EMS community as we move forward with the design of the network. Additionally, we shared information about the state consultation that FirstNet plans to have with Alaska later this year, and we encouraged members of the fire/EMS service to attend and provide input.

Matt and I received thoughtful input and feedback from chief officers from around the state and discussed FirstNet as a solution to some of the unique communications challenges faced in Alaska. Our discussion focused on stakeholder outreach as well as video and other technology that will be available once the NPSBN is operational, and how it can increase responder and community safety to protect lives and property.

It was a great opportunity to engage with the association and its members who strive to educate the public about fire safety through local efforts and by partnering with the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office. Many attendees took advantage of their time in Juneau to schedule meetings with their legislators.

I feel confident that AFCA will continue to promote issues that will help provide the public with a safe place to live and work and reduce the loss of life from fire in Alaska. At FirstNet, we look forward to providing the fire/EMS community with a network that would help them to use the tools necessary for increased capabilities and improved operational efficiency.

Thanks to Nikiski Fire Chief James Baisden, President, and Kenai Fire Chief Jeff Tucker, 2nd Vice President, for the invitation to share FirstNet progress and information with the rest of the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association.