IAFC warns of risk to emergency networks if sunset remains

US hearing addresses public safety communications

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has reported that its First Vice President, Chief Steven Locke, submitted testimony to the US House Energy and Commerce Committee on 9 September.

According to the IAFC, the testimony was presented during the Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on “Public Safety Communications in the United States”.

The association stated that the submission detailed the importance of removing the sunset date for the FirstNet Authority, progressing the nationwide transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 services, and retaining AM radio in vehicles as a free, standard feature.

Chief Locke said: “The IAFC, along with its many supporting organisations and associations, ask Congress to preserve the federal FirstNet Authority by removing the sunset date.

“FirstNet is the only service that can provide first responders with priority access and ruthless preemption, on its own dedicated network core with governance established by federal statute.

“No other telecommunications offering or network provides first responders with these mission critical lifesaving tools.”

Past failures highlight communications challenges

The IAFC explained that its position reflects lessons from major US emergencies in recent decades.

It reported that incidents such as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the 2001 terrorist attacks, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 highlighted failures of interoperability between agencies.

The association noted that these events demonstrated how the lack of reliable communications directly hindered public safety response and placed first responders at risk.

According to the IAFC, the creation of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network and the federal FirstNet Authority in 2012 was intended to address those long-standing failures.

The association added that FirstNet now provides a dedicated network core for emergency communications, with priority access and pre-emption features unavailable on commercial systems.

Oversight and governance of FirstNet

The IAFC stated that the FirstNet Authority is overseen by its board and by the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), which includes representatives from fire, law enforcement, EMS, and 9-1-1 call centres.

It reported that these groups ensure that the requirements of end users are central to decisions about network development and upgrades.

The IAFC said the authority also faces oversight from federal bodies including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General, the Government Accountability Office, and Congress.

The association explained that these mechanisms are designed to ensure accountability and safeguard taxpayer investment.

Chief Locke said: “The IAFC appreciates the OIG’s work to ensure that the American taxpayers’ hard-earned money is being used in a responsible manner.”

Examples of FirstNet in action

The IAFC reported that FirstNet has been deployed in a wide range of emergency scenarios.

It said these included wildfire response in California and New Mexico, hurricane impacts across multiple states, tornadoes in Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, and winter storms in 2025.

The association added that FirstNet supported dispatch centres in Tennessee, North Carolina and Texas when 9-1-1 services were at risk during recent disasters.

It also noted that large events such as concerts and solar eclipses have used the system to manage increased communication demands.

According to the IAFC, these examples demonstrate the system’s value for both first responders and supporting organisations such as hospitals, utilities, and schools.

Call to remove FirstNet sunset date

The IAFC reported that the FirstNet Authority currently faces a statutory sunset date of February 2027.

It cited a 2022 Government Accountability Office report warning that failure to remove the date could disrupt emergency communications and stall investment in new solutions.

The association said more than 30,500 agencies now use FirstNet across the US, with over 1,000 types of devices connected.

It stated that a wide range of national organisations, including the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Emergency Management Association, and the National Fire Protection Association, have joined the call to secure the authority’s future.

According to the IAFC, congressional action is required to ensure uninterrupted operation of the network and maintain oversight of its development.

Next Generation 9-1-1 and AM radio

The IAFC reported that it is urging Congress to fund the transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 systems across the US.

It said these upgrades would allow emergency call centres to handle text, images, video and data that current systems cannot process.

The association noted that this capability would improve situational awareness and enhance the speed and accuracy of emergency response.

The IAFC also explained its support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, citing the role of radio as a redundant and resilient communications channel during disasters.

It said AM stations in North Carolina provided critical evacuation and shelter information during Hurricane Helene in 2024 when other systems failed.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This hearing reflects ongoing efforts to secure long-term communications support for emergency services in the US.

For fire and safety professionals, the testimony highlights reliance on FirstNet and the risks posed if its authority lapses in 2027.

The IAFC also identified how Next Generation 9-1-1 could expand data available to first responders, directly impacting operational decisions in the field.

The call to retain AM radio in vehicles underscores the importance of redundancy in public warning systems during disasters.

IAFC testimony on FirstNet and emergency networks: Summary

The International Association of Fire Chiefs submitted testimony to the US House Energy and Commerce Committee on 9 September 2025.

The testimony was delivered by Chief Steven Locke, First Vice President of the IAFC.

The testimony called for Congress to remove the 2027 sunset date on the FirstNet Authority.

The IAFC said more than 30,500 agencies rely on FirstNet and its dedicated core.

The association cited oversight by PSAC, the FirstNet Board, federal agencies, and Congress.

It also called for federal funding of Next Generation 9-1-1.

The IAFC reported that these upgrades would allow call centres to handle text, video, and data.

The association urged retention of AM radio in vehicles as a free, standard feature.

It said AM radio provided critical information during Hurricane Helene in 2024.

The testimony stated that these measures are necessary to maintain effective emergency communications.