FirstNet announces PSAC membership

FirstNet today named the members of its Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), which consists of 40 representatives of public-safety organizations that are part of the SAFECOM program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"I'm pleased that FirstNet will be partnering with DHS to enable the PSAC to commence its work advising the FirstNet Board," FirstNet board Chairman Sam Ginn said in a prepared statement. "We welcome our PSAC's ongoing input as we continue on this historic journey to build a nationwide public-safety broadband network."

Previously, FirstNet appointed the PSAC executive board, including PSAC Chairman Harlin McEwen and four vice chairs. During their meeting last week, FirstNet board members cited helpful input they already have received from the PSAC executive committee, which has met informally while awaiting today's announcement.

RELATED: FirstNet names PSAC vice chairs

"FirstNet has assembled an outstanding group of associations and individuals on its PSAC," McEwen said in a prepared statement. "We are eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work in support of FirstNet's critical mission."

During an interview with Urgent Communications, McEwen said he is planning to have the full PSAC meet face-to-face for the first time by the end of April.

FirstNet board member Jeff Johnson, who has said that the PSAC will play an important role in the design and operation of the nationwide network, expressed enthusiasm for the makeup of the advisory committee.

"The comprehensive and inclusive nature of this advisory body gives me confidence we have reached deep into our stakeholders to seek advice and feedback," Johnson said in a prepared statement. "I look forward to a robust exchange of ideas."

According to a FirstNet press release, the following organizations have representatives on the PSAC:

American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials; Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, American Public Works Association, Forestry Conservation Communications Association, Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council, Interagency Board, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Emergency Managers, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International City/County Management Association, International Municipal Signal Association, Major Cities (Police) Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs' Association, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, National Association of Counties, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, National Association of Regional Councils, National Association of State Chief Information Officers, National Association of State EMS Officials, National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators, National Association of State Technology Directors, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, National Congress of American Indians, National Criminal Justice Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators, National Emergency Management Association, National EMS Management Association, National Emergency Number Association, National Governors Association, National League of Cities, National Public Safety Telecommunications Council, National Sheriffs' Association, National Consortium of Justice Information Statistics, U.S. Conference of Mayors, SAFECOM Exec, Fire Non-Management First Line Responder, Police Non-Management First Line Responder (At large).

A PSAC organizational chart that lists the actual representatives can be found at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/firstnet_psac_org_chart_and_membership-022013.pdf.