By Joe Wassel, Executive Director and CEO, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)
Twenty-three years ago, America experienced a day unlike any other in its history. News of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania reverberated across the nation. Everyone was on high alert. No one knew where, when, or if another attack would happen.
This vigilance was particularly felt by America’s first responders — whose mission is to protect communities and respond to disasters. Amid the confusion and uncertainty, the public safety community rose to the occasion. They stood up, leaned in, and put the nation’s safety and security first.
"I was at the Pentagon when it was hit by American Airlines Flight 77," said Joe Wassel. "For a moment, I worked alongside first responders to provide aid to the injured. I saw firsthand their bravery and dedication."
The story of America’s first responders on September 11 is a story of courage and sacrifice. The nation lost 2,996 people that day, including 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel at the Pentagon.
"We remain forever grateful to the public safety community for their sacrifices," Wassel stated. "First responders stepped up when our nation needed them most."
A less told story is the effect September 11 had on first responders in heartland areas across the nation.
Many first responders from throughout the country traveled long distances to provide support at Ground Zero and the Pentagon. Many more worked around the clock to ramp up security at vulnerable spots in their own communities. The public safety community collectively grieved the loss of life that day.
Today marks 23 years since those events. The FirstNet Authority hosted a remembrance ceremony at its technology headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.
Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson joined us at the ceremony and talked about serving as a law enforcement officer in Colorado on September 11, 2001. "My FirstNet Authority colleagues and I were privileged to hear his moving account," Wassel said. "It reinforced our deeply held belief in supporting the public safety community through their most difficult endeavors."
"We remember the tragedies of September 11 through our work at FirstNet Authority," he continued.
The agency was established due to communication challenges experienced by public safety during the attacks. Its mission is to provide a nationwide public safety broadband network to keep first responders connected and communicating regardless of circumstances or location.
Rural, remote, and tribal areas have traditionally been underserved by communication infrastructure. Since its founding, FirstNet Authority has prioritized coverage in rural areas where little or no broadband connectivity previously existed.
"Today we solemnly observe and remember September 11," Wassel noted.
At FirstNet Authority today is also an occasion to rededicate ourselves to our mission: delivering a network that keeps responders connected when it matters most.
"The public safety community stood up for Americans on September 11," concluded Wassel. "We stand ready to support first responders wherever they need it now and in future."
