Congressional Briefing on FirstNet

Presents

Congressional Briefing on FirstNet

with Working Lunch and Learn Series

Thursday, March 14th, 2024
12:00pm – 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time

United States House of Representatives, Rayburn House Office Building 2044

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) is honored to host a FirstNet Congressional Briefing and working lunch. Following the horrific events of 9/11, there became an immediate call to action by public safety. The paralyzing communications issues that occurred gave us the realization that first responders needed a dedicated nationwide network to meet their unique communications needs.

In 2012, Congress passed bipartisan legislation to establish the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). Today, the NPSBN is the envy of the world and lives are saved on a daily basis in our hometowns throughout America because first responders can reliably communicate and effectively coordinate their response operations.

This session is the first of a series of three educational sessions where we will highlight the importance of secure, reliable and dedicated FirstNet connectivity to the public safety mission. During this first session, attendees will hear from public safety leaders about the history of FirstNet, the successful completion of the initial phase of FirstNet buildout, and the FirstNet Authority’s recent investment announcement that continues the growth and evolution of America’s public safety network. First responder leaders will share how they are harnessing FirstNet and advanced technology solutions to enhance their operations and keep their communities safe. Guests expected to attend include House and Senate congressional staff and federal, state, and local  public safety officials.

Lunch will be served during the program.

John S. Butler
Fire Chief, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department  (VA)

John S. Butler is the Fire Chief for Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department. He formerly served as fire chief for Howard County (MD) Department of Fire and Rescue Services and was the first chief to have held every rank within that department. He is a paramedic and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore, a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, and certificates from Harvard University, the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, and the Fire Service Executive Development Institute. Chief Butler serves as the International Association of Fire Chiefs President and Board Chair; holds the Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, Chief Training Officer, and Fire Marshal designations from the Commission on Professional Credentialing; is chairman of the NFA Board of Visitors; and is a board member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. He is a retired U.S. Marine with 20 years of active and reserve service, including two combat tours.

Tentative Schedule

12:00 P.M. Introductions and Opening Remarks

12:10 P.M. FirstNet is ready in a crisis – Chief John Butler  Spotlight on Emergency Management

12:45 P.M. Questions to Subject Matter Experts

12:55 P.M. Program concludes

Please visit our website at thepsbta.com to obtain additional information.  We would kindly request you to confirm your attendance on our website at https://thepsbta.org/events/. We look forward to you joining us and welcome your contributions to the event.