By Chris Burbank, FirstNet Board Member and Salt Lake City (Utah) Police Chief
National Police Week, the annual week-long event honoring our nation’s law enforcement officers begins today, with special recognition for the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. National Police Week has its roots in a Presidential Proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Acting Executive Director, TJ Kennedy, will be attending this year’s ceremony to pay tribute to these brave men and women, on behalf of FirstNet.
Numerous events are planned around the nation throughout the week. This week attracts tens of thousands of law enforcement officers to Washington, DC. Particularly moving, is the Candlelight Vigil held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on the evening of May 13, 2015. Honorees will be added to the memorial which already bears the names of 20,538 officers.
Each year, far too many officers lose their lives in the line of duty. We recognize these officers for how they lived their lives and the service they rendered to each of us, to our neighborhoods, and to our Nation.
Public safety entities deserve the best available tools to protect our communities. The first and most important role public safety plays is ensuring public trust and confidence. FirstNet is committed to establishing a nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN) enhancing our communications capabilities and increasing effectiveness, and ultimately, the safety of our neighborhoods.
FirstNet is continuing to build a professional team focused on the mission of improving emergency communications. Through consultation and outreach, state, tribal, local, and federal law enforcement stakeholders play an integral part, providing valuable input on the specific needs of their individual jurisdictions. Please continue to monitor FirstNet activities and participate in the process by attending a state consultation meeting, or requesting a FirstNet speaker. Follow the latest news via our website and many social media outlets. With the recent release of the Special Notice and draft Request for Proposals documents, we are in need of your consideration, so please take the time to review these documents. This is a tremendous step toward the deployment of a dedicated broadband network for the nation’s public safety community.
FirstNet recognizes law enforcement officers across the country for their service and sacrifice made every day on behalf of the American public.
Thank you for your conscientious contribution to our well being.
-Chief Burbank
Click on the images below to view photos of National Police Week 2014 on the FirstNet Flickr.
Click on the images below to view photos of law enforcement on the FirstNet Flickr.
Watch the FirstNet and the Law Enforcement Community video below, and on the FirstNet YouTube Channel.
