Nothing is more important than the lives of first responders and the people they serve day in, and day out.
Recently, FirstNet’s deployable assets were on display at the Georgia State Capitol to highlight how FirstNet®, Built with AT&T provides life-saving communications for first responders.
Members of the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia public safety officials, state agency leaders and the City of Atlanta Police and Fire Rescue Departments got a first-hand look at FirstNet’s fleet of deployable network assets that support public safety and help first responders keep communities safe – every day and in times of emergency.
The FirstNet deployable assets on display at the Capitol included:
- an Emergency Communication Vehicle (ECV),
- a Flying Cell on Wheels (Flying COW/Drone),
- and Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD).
In Georgia, FirstNet has supported first responders across a variety of everyday incidents and emergencies, including Hurricane Michael, COVID-19 vaccination sites, recent tornadoes and the Big Game in 2019.
“Having FirstNet means Atlanta’s police officers can seamlessly communicate with one another and across jurisdictions,” said Marshall Freeman, Atlanta Police Department Deputy Administrative Officer. “With Atlanta hosting a variety of large-scale events, having this modern technology and connectivity ensures our first responders have the tools they need to respond to any situation effectively and efficiently.”
The FirstNet event also highlighted the FirstNet Health & Wellness Coalition’s resources including Bailey, one of the ROG the Dog animal-assisted therapy dogs. Launched by FirstNet in 2021 in conjunction with Global Medical Response, there are more than 30 “ROG the Dog” therapy animals stationed across the country specifically trained to support the health and well-being of first responders. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can improve coping and recovery, enhance morale, decrease stress, and reduce the effects of PTSD and emotional distress.
“As a public safety psychologist for the City of Atlanta, I work every day to improve the lives of Atlanta’s firefighters, police and corrections through mental health services. Our first responders often carry a burden we don’t see, so having access to FirstNet’s health and wellness resources, like the ROG the Dog therapy animals, is a gamechanger in how we provide support for first responders,” said Dr. Carla Moore, Public Safety Psychologist, City of Atlanta Fire Rescue, Police and Corrections Departments. “I’m grateful that FirstNet supports first responders through an integrated, holistic approach, and I’m proud that the City of Atlanta has engaged in these services.”
“FirstNet is improving the lives of Georgians by giving our first responders the resources needed to protect our neighborhood communities – whether that’s through life-saving communications or through mental health care,” said Shirley Anne Smith, President and CEO, Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation. “Our goal is to enhance public safety by supporting City of Atlanta’s firefighters and first responders, and collaborative partnerships like FirstNet help us accomplish just that.”
At AT&T, we’re proud to provide innovative solutions that keep communities safe and support the health and well-being of those on the frontlines.
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