House Energy and Commerce Committee holds hearing on Public Safety Communications in the U.S.
September 9, 2025 – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) advocates for stronger, more reliable public safety communications in testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives. Presented by Chief Steven A. Locke on September 9, 2025, the testimony highlights the importance of interoperable communications networks that support firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders during emergencies and disasters.
Before the hearing, Chief Steven Locke, First Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, submitted testimony to the hearing record. In it, the IAFC provided an extensive background into the FirstNet Authority, our desire to preserve FirstNet for long into the future and addressed other telecommunications priorities. Like, the nationwide transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 and ensuring that AM Radio stays in newly manufactured vehicles as a free, standard service.
The testimony calls for continued federal support of the FirstNet Authority, nationwide implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1), and preservation of AM radio in vehicles. These initiatives aim to improve emergency response coordination, strengthen communications reliability, and ensure first responders have access to the critical information and technology needed to protect lives and communities.
How Does This Benefit the Fire & EMS Service?
This document serves as an advocacy and policy resource that demonstrates how the IAFC represents fire and EMS priorities at the federal level.
- Reliable emergency communications: Supports the continuation of FirstNet, which provides prioritized communications capabilities for first responders during emergencies.
- Improved interoperability: Advocates for communications systems that enable fire, EMS, law enforcement, and emergency management agencies to coordinate across jurisdictions.
- Modernized 9-1-1 services: Promotes NG 9-1-1 technology to improve access to caller locations, images, videos, and other critical incident information.
- Greater disaster preparedness: Highlights the importance of resilient communications networks during wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and other large-scale incidents.
- Stronger federal representation: Communicates the operational needs of fire and EMS agencies directly to lawmakers responsible for communications policy and funding.
- Public safety and community protection: Supports maintaining AM radio as a backup method for delivering emergency alerts, evacuation instructions, and disaster information.
Who Would Benefit From This Resource?
Fire chiefs, EMS leaders, emergency communications professionals, government affairs personnel, emergency managers, and public safety policymakers.
The testimony can also help IAFC members understand federal communications priorities and support discussions with elected officials about investments in emergency response infrastructure.