Chantilly, Va. – After many years of successfully working together, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and AT&T today announced they have renewed their relationship to further serve leaders of the fire and emergency service through education and collaboration.
AT&T has been a strong supporter of the public safety community, equipping first responders with the communications solutions, products and services they need to do their jobs safely. This commitment strengthened in March 2017 when the First Responder Network Authority named AT&T as its public-private partner to build the first-ever nationwide public safety broadband network – called FirstNet.
FirstNet is giving first responders a reliable and always-on way to connect to the specialized communications tools they need to help achieve their life-saving missions. FirstNet will help make first responders’ communications simpler, faster, more collaborative and more secure, enhancing situational awareness to help first responders keep themselves and their communities safe. FirstNet will also create innovative opportunities for EMS and the way we integrate into the healthcare system.
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories officially "opted in" to FirstNet, showing their support for this much-needed technology upgrade.
“These are exciting times in the critical area of emergency communications and to continue our close working relationship with AT&T is a huge benefit to our members and the entire fire and emergency service,” said Chief Thomas Jenkins, IAFC president and chairman of the board.
The renewed relationship between the IAFC and AT&T includes participation in specific IAFC events and collaborative efforts of mutual interest, such as thought leadership exchange, focus group sessions and presentations.
“We’re proud to continue our support of the IAFC,” said Jim Bugel, vice president, AT&T-FirstNet. “The role that fire-rescue and emergency medical services play in their communities is invaluable. And now that FirstNet is here, we look forward to helping first responders attending IAFC events better understand the game-changing solutions now available to them.”
AT&T will be a visible presence at two of the IAFC’s largest gatherings of fire service leaders this year:
Another event is Fire-Rescue Med, June 11-13, in Henderson, Nevada.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
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