By Jeff Johnson, Fire Chief (ret.) and FirstNet Board Vice Chair

This Monday, May 4th, 2015 is the annual International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD). On behalf of everyone at FirstNet, I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to the men and women throughout the fire service who risk their lives each day to protect lives and property in their communities.

IFFD was established after five firefighters lost their lives while battling a wildfire in Victoria, Australia. Since 2002, IFFD has become an annual event to show support for all firefighters worldwide and recognize their level of commitment and dedication.

In conjunction with IFFD, the fire service community recognizes the sacrifices made by firefighters in the form of a “Sound Off” that is held on the first Sunday of every May at noon (local time). This is an opportunity to reflect on and remember those lost or injured in the line of duty through an international show of support.

To learn more about the global “Sound Off,” please visit the IFFD website. The IFFD organization will be sharing information about the “Sound Off” and IFFD over social media via their Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr accounts.

At FirstNet, we are committed to serving America's public safety personnel, including the many contributions made by the fire service. The deployment of a nationwide public safety broadband network will benefit the safety and security of our firefighters and the citizens they serve for years to come, and I am honored to be involved in such an important undertaking.

Thanks,
Jeff Johnson, Chief (Ret.)

Click on the images below to view photos of firefighters on the FirstNet Flickr.

Watch the FirstNet and Firefighters video below, and on the FirstNet YouTube Channel.

There are several more opportunities to recognize and remember the nation’s first responders in 2015.