FirstNet Authority Senior Fire Services Advisor Gary McCarraher spent more than 45 years in fire and EMS, serving as fire chief of three departments. At the FirstNet Authority, he works with fire services personnel to understand the needs of firefighters and how FirstNet can provide greater situational awareness when responding to wildfires and urban fires.

The Cameron Peak Fire was the largest wildland fire in Colorado’s history. Don Patterson, a firefighter and communications expert, deployed to the fire knowing that broadband communications would play a huge role, particularly with the threat of COVID-19. Deployables and other advanced technologies helped everyone communicate — from incident command at the base camp to frontline firefighters.

FirstNet Authority Senior Emergency Management Advisor Bruce Fitzgerald spent more than 15 years in public safety and crisis management, responding to major disasters and assisting with recovery and mitigation. At the FirstNet Authority, he works with emergency managers to understand their needs and demonstrate how mobile broadband can support all phases of emergency management.

In 2020, America’s first responders battled severe wildfires, the pandemic and one of the most active hurricane seasons on record. They are now on the frontlines of nationwide vaccination efforts. Watch a webinar with Congressional leadership, public safety, FirstNet Authority, and AT&T to learn how FirstNet supports these efforts. 

FirstNet Authority Senior 9-1-1/Emergency Communications Advisor John Hunt spent more than 35 years advancing public safety communications technology. At the FirstNet Authority, he works with emergency communications center personnel to understand how FirstNet can benefit operations and how mobile broadband will complement Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies.