|
IAFF Testifies to Improve Public Safety Communications
June 18, 2010 -- The IAFF testified June 17 at a hearing before
the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet on the
need to improve basic communications within the fire service.
Although the hearing was called to discuss a plan by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to establish a nationwide public safety broadband network, IAFF
Director of Fire and EMS Operations and GIS Services Jonathan Moore explained to
Subcommittee members that the real dilemma facing many local fire departments is
the need to improve communications operability.
“Focusing time and resources on fixing…basic communications issues will have a
larger impact on public safety than will the establishment of any broadband
network,” Moore said. “Moreover, failure to address the challenges of
communications on the fire ground will undermine the entire purpose of creating
a broadband network. A network that enables a fire fighter in Los Angeles to
communicate with a fire fighter in New York will serve no purpose if two FDNY
fire fighters working the same incident can’t talk to each other.”
Moore also told the Subcommittee that ensuring basic operability was more than a
technical issue, it was necessary to ensure fire fighters’ health and safety.
“The IAFF has made it a priority to ensure that everyone goes home safe at the
end of each shift. Because radios are one of the most important pieces of safety
equipment, we expect that any new communications system will be effective, safe,
reliable and simple to use,” he said.
In addition to discussing the importance of basic communications capabilities,
Moore also expressed the IAFF’s support for the FCC’s plan to build a nationwide
public safety broadband network. Although some panelists at the hearing
disagreed with major provisions of the FCC’s plan, the majority of Subcommittee
members expressed their clear preference for the IAFF’s position.
Subcommittee members, including Chair Rick Boucher (D-VA), are currently
drafting legislation to implement the FCC’s recommendations. The IAFF will
continue working closely with its congressional allies to ensure that its
concerns are addressed in the resulting bill.
Read the IAFF Testimony: Establishing a
Public Safety Broadband Network |
