SAFECOM Publishes Spring 2023 SAFECOM Bi-Annual Meeting Executive Summary

SAFECOM members came together for the Spring 2023 SAFECOM Bi-Annual Meeting, on May 10, 2023, in Pasadena, California, where members received a keynote address from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Civil Program Office Manager, Dr. Edward Chow on how artificial intelligence can support first responders. Members also heard real-world public safety communications successes and challenges from San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Dan Munsey. SAFECOM also received updates from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research Division (PSCR), First Responder Network Authority, CISA Priority Communications Services, and a SAFECOM membership spotlight on the National Criminal Justice Association. Other interactive sessions allowed members to network, lend their voices to shape the future of SAFECOM, and review and validate research findings for the National Emergency Communications Plan update.

During the meeting, CISA Executive Assistant Director (EAD) for Emergency Communications, Billy Bob Brown, Jr., emphasized that SAFECOM is a success because of the members who come together and collaborate to address challenges within the public safety community. He presented Mark Buchholz, SAFECOM At-Large (Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency, Oregon), with a CISA Award of Appreciation in recognition of his service and contributions to SAFECOM since 2014.

In addition to the SAFECOM Meeting, members had the opportunity to attend a guided tour of JPL in La Cañada, CA. The tours included an overview of JPL’s activities and accomplishments. Members of several sub-groups also met to further collaborate on identified work products, including the SAFECOM Executive Board, SAFECOM Governance Committee, Communications Section Task Force, and the SAFECOM School and New Member Orientation.

View the full summary on SAFECOM’s website: https://www.cisa.gov/safecom/meetings