The members of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board of directors were announced Monday by Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Dr. Rebecca Blank.
FirstNet is directed to establish a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network and is an independent authority organized within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
IAFC President and Chairman of the Board Chief Hank Clemmensen commented on the appointments, including that of retired Fire Chief and former IAFC President Jeffrey Johnson.
"Chief Johnson was a leading voice for the fire service on this issue for years, but what’s great about Chief Johnson and many of these other appointments is that these people are not just about talk. These people are real public safety officers who have demonstrated they are willing and able to roll up their sleeves, work collaboratively and get the job done," he said in a statement. "This project will require a dedicated effort over the next decade, and we commend the government for taking the first steps in such an efficient manner."
Johnson said that he is ready to step into his new role.
"It's so critical to first responders that this national public safety network is completed with their perspective in mind, and I'm anxious to fill that role," he said in a statement. "I have first-hand experience with understanding the ‘mission critical’ component and how the existing communications networks need to find a path in FirstNet. I’m looking forward to seeing this critical initiative through."
