By Sheriff Richard Stanek, FirstNet Board Member

National Police Week, the annual week-long event honoring our nation's law enforcement officers with special recognition for the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty, is officially wrapping up today, Saturday, May 21. I was pleased to see all the activity through events and recognition among my colleagues in the law enforcement community. In Hennepin County, Minnesota, where I serve as Sheriff, I was honored to speak at the Hennepin County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony where we paid tribute to remember fallen law enforcement officers in our County.  

"For each and every spouse or child, sibling, grandchild, parent of one of these officers, and for every one of their friends and colleagues, and fellow officers, today we honor our heroes."

Police 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, 2016. Fallen officer's names were added to the memorial which already bears the names of more than 20,000 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 RFP out – and proposals due at the end of this month – FirstNet is excited that public safety is now an award and construction cycle away from having their own network. This is a tremendous step toward the deployment of a dedicated broadband network for the nation's public safety community, and it's imperative that you get involved, now more than ever.

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.

-Sheriff Stanek
For more information visit www.FirstNet.gov