As part of its Believe Indy℠ initiative, AT&T announced today that it is supporting the Indy Public Safety Foundation (IPSF) with a $25,000 contribution that will add to the nonprofit’s efforts to feed and support first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since late March, IPSF has been focused on a multi-level partnership with local restaurants to provide food for first responders who are leading Indy’s COVID-19 response and need to limit potential exposure to the coronavirus. This partnership has resulted in daily meals being distributed to firefighters, police officers, EMS providers and emergency personnel at various locations around the city.
“These meals are one small way we can show our appreciation for the first responders leaving behind their families each day to serve our community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said IPSF Executive Director Dane Nutty. “And we’re so glad that we’re not only serving those on the front lines through this effort, but supporting local businesses as well.
“AT&T’s contribution to this effort is incredible,” Nutty added. “Their support will help IPSF feed over 3,000 first responders over the coming months.”
Today, IPSF brought meals to the Marion County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on the east side of the city, feeding the multi-disciplinary team of 35. This EOC also recently received an important boost in connectivity from FirstNet. At no cost to public safety, AT&T supplied an in-building network solution to provide critical communications for first responders and emergency managers across the FirstNet network.
FirstNet is the nationwide, wireless communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders and public safety community. Built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the federal government, FirstNet is designed for situations like COVID-19. With
FirstNet, first responders get a dedicated, prioritized network connection when needed, so that they can reliably communicate even when business and consumer traffic is surging. This is a vital difference between FirstNet and commercial networks.
“We are grateful for the continued support of collaborators like AT&T,” said IMPD Chief Randal Taylor. “Not only are they offering communication and technology solutions, but also helping provide food and other supports for those on the front lines of our city’s pandemic response efforts.”
“The COVID-19 health crisis illustrates precisely why public safety fought for the creation of FirstNet.”
Bill Soards, President – AT&T Indiana
“The COVID-19 health crisis illustrates precisely why public safety fought for the creation of FirstNet,” said AT&T Indiana President Bill Soards. “As men and women across our city stand on the front lines to support our nation’s response to COVID-19, we’re proud to stand with them through both Believe Indy and FirstNet.”
AT&T’s Believe Indy initiative is aimed at improving neighborhoods and helping reduce violent crime in the city. It is focused on three core areas: education and job skills in at-risk Indianapolis neighborhoods; technology advancements for local police and public safety officials; and community engagement through employee volunteerism.
Believe Indy is an extension of AT&T Believes℠, a larger company-wide initiative, which aims to create positive change in local communities. To learn more about AT&T Believes initiatives across the country, please click here.
For all AT&T news related to COVID-19, please visit the AT&T COVID-19 website. And to learn more about FirstNet, go to FirstNet.com.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
About Indy Public Safety Foundation
The Indy Public Safety Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded by motivated civic leaders to assist Indy’s public safety agencies advance their missions. IPSF supports over 3,200 women and men who serve Indy as first responders through investments in equipment, supplies, programs and support.
