Washington, D.C. — President Barack Obama’s visit to Ground Zero in New York City today is an important reminder of the need for a nationwide public safety broadband network, announced the Public Safety Alliance (PSA).

“The horrific events of 9/11 are a stark reminder of how critical a reliable, interoperable public safety network for America’s first responders is to execute rescue efforts during disasters and large-scale incidents, as well as every day emergencies,” said PSA Representative Chris Moore, Chief of San Jose Police Department.  “As we approach the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, orchestrated by Bin Laden and al-Qaeda, we need to address this glaring public safety crisis in America – the need for improved communications among our first responders by allocating the D-Block spectrum to public safety with significant federal investment.”

The Obama Administration and dozens of lawmakers led by Senator John D. “Jay” Rockefeller, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Senator John McCain, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Congressman Peter King and Congressman Bennie Thompson have shown tremendous support for a plan that will help fund and create a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband communications network.

The network would ensure that first responders have the spectrum they need for reliable and efficient interoperable communications and further strengthen their emergency response capabilities with faster more secure broadband capabilities.  Congress has just four months to pass legislation that provides front-line responders for the first time in history with an interoperable, dedicated broadband communication system.

Chief Moore continued, “It would be severely disappointing if, on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 tragedy, America’s first responders still did not have the building blocks in place to create a nationwide public safety network that, in the future, will allow them to communicate efficiently during crises. We commend President Obama for his leadership on this issue and for his concern and understanding for the needs of first responders.  We also commend Senators Rockefeller, Hutchison, McCain and Lieberman, as well as Congressmen King and Thompson for their relentless commitment to this important public safety issue.”

About Public Safety Alliance
The Public Safety Alliance (www.psafirst.org) is a partnership of the nation’s leading public safety associations. The partnership is operated as a program of APCO International. The purpose of the Public Safety Alliance’s is to ensure law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies are able to use the most technologically advanced communications capability that meets the difficult, life-threatening challenges they face every day as they protect America. The goal of the Public Safety Alliance is to raise awareness in Congress and the White House about what our Nation’s law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services need to build out a nationwide, interoperable, 4G, wireless communications network to protect America. For more information on the Public Safety Alliance, visit www.psafirst.org.