The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has urged Congress to pass a bill that will provide $15 billion to 9-1-1 infrastructure, protect infrastructure from cyber threats and ensure that first responders will be able to efficiently use Next Generation 9-1-1 technology to save lives. 

IAFC Government Relations Manager Ryan Woodward commented: “This bill provides the tools to effectively carry out the modernisation of the nation’s 9-1-1 infrastructure. Of particular importance are the portions of this legislation that address interoperability, cybersecurity, training and consultation with first responders and other end users of the 9-1-1 system.

“Next Generation 9-1-1 has and will continue to place a great deal of information about reported emergencies at the disposal of first responders. This information is crucial in enabling first responders to swiftly respond to emergencies where every second could mean the difference between life and death. However, this information can also be overwhelming or worse time consuming if first responders are not properly trained to handle it. That is why The IAFC is very pleased that the grants provided in this legislation will go to training that will enable first responders to fully take advantage of this innovative technology.”