Safeguarding the Future of FirstNet: Why New York’s Fire Service Needs Congressional Action

• By: Staff
• On: 08/25/2025 09:56:32
• In: NYSAFC News

By Brad Davies and Mark L. Ryckman

As a response to communications concerns from the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Congress created the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) in the Middle-Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Across New York state, fire and EMS personnel are increasingly relying on FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, to communicate and coordinate during daily operations and emergencies. FirstNet now serves 30,000 agencies nationwide with 7 million subscriptions.
 
Built with direct input from first responders, FirstNet provides a secure, reliable, and dedicated wireless network that supports real-time situational awareness and improved operational coordination. As the fire service continues to modernize, FirstNet is becoming an essential component of emergency operations.
 
But this network needs public safety agencies to continue advocating for its continuation.  The Middle-Class Tax Relief Act that created FirstNet contains a sunset clause. Unless Congress acts to remove this sunset provision, FirstNet will expire in February 2027.  This article outlines why reauthorization is vital and how FirstNet is making a real difference for fire and EMS agencies in New York.
 
FirstNet in Action
 
For decades, fire departments depended on land mobile radio (LMR) systems as their primary tool for communication. While LMR remains essential for voice communication, cellular technology allows not only voice, but also text, video, and data transfers.  This can be used for remote sensors and access to mapping and records. The platform offers fire departments a secure, dedicated broadband network with prioritized access during high demand. Features like priority and preemption mean incident commanders don't have to compete with the public for bandwidth at large-scale incidents.
 
Firefighters are leveraging FirstNet's high-speed, prioritized communication network to access critical building plans and hazardous materials data in real time, significantly enhancing situational awareness and response effectiveness during emergencies. This immediate access to information allows incident commanders to make informed decisions faster, improving safety for both responders and the public. Additionally, the deployment of High-Power User Equipment (HPUE) has proven especially beneficial in rural areas.  For example, EMS agencies operating in areas with little coverage can use the HPUE units in their vehicles to boost the uplink connectivity of their devices to reach the nearest tower. This often fills in coverage gaps on rural roads.
 
Why Reauthorization Matters
 
The FirstNet Authority is the federal entity that holds AT&T, its commercial partner, accountable to the public safety community. As an independent agency with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the FirstNet Authority is governed by a board of directors and advised by a Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC).  The PSAC has representatives from over 40 national professional associations, which includes fire and EMS representatives. AT&T serves as the commercial partner under a 25-year contract with enforceable obligations. No other carrier operates under this level of public safety oversight. Preserving this governance structure ensures first responders continue to have input into how the network is deployed, maintained, and improved to meet the operational needs of our communities.
 
Without reauthorization, this oversight vanishes. So, too, does the long-term certainty that New York's fire departments need to plan capital investments in broadband devices. Removing the sunset clause ensures that FirstNet remains governed with public safety interests at the forefront and allows for continued innovation and reinvestment. Letting it expire would jeopardize years of progress in emergency communications modernization.
 
Support from the Fire Service for Sunset Clause Removal
 
The fire service has long recognized the value of interoperable communications, and FirstNet represents one of the most significant steps forward since the 9/11 Commission identified gaps in public safety communications. Fire chiefs, association leaders, and municipal officials can play a key role in urging Congressional leaders to act.
 
Several major public safety organizations including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and National Fire Protection Association have already expressed support for removing the sunset clause. New York's fire service has joined them with letters from the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Career Fire Chiefs of New York encouraging Congress to Act.
 
Engaging with legislators and sharing success stories from your community can help underscore the value of this national asset.
 
Conclusion
 
FirstNet is a mission-critical communications tool that strengthens fire and EMS operations across New York. From rural volunteers to urban firefighting, it provides the reliability and resilience that emergency responders need. Reauthorizing the FirstNet Authority and removing the sunset provision is not just a bureaucratic fix, it is a commitment to the future of public safety.  It allows our first responders to continue to use and invest this powerful technology.  It would also retain the governance structure allowing public safety to have direct input into how the network expands and operates. Lastly, it continues the important oversight of AT&T that no other carrier is subject to.
 
About the Authors:
Brad Davies is chief of the City of Corning Fire Department and a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs board of directors. Mark L. Ryckman is the city manager and director of public safety for Corning, N.Y. and a member of the FirstNet Public Safety Advisory Committee.