FirstNet® Supports the Wildland Firefighter Foundation

Serving public safety is our mission. And in support of the thousands of wildland firefighters across the country, FirstNet, Built with AT&T is launching a mobile giving campaign for theWildland Firefighter Foundation.

As public safety’s network partner, we have a responsibility unlike any other wireless carrier. Our work with the WFF helps ensure our nation’s wildland firefighters have the critical connectivity they need. And our support of this Text to Give campaign will help in their focus of helping families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families.  

We’ve been on the front lines with firefighters across the country as they combat one of the most active wildfire seasons ever. When communications went down as Grand Lake Fire Protection District (GLFPD) battled the East Troublesome Fire in Colorado, the department needed help. To help ensure the GLFPD and other public safety personnel have the mobile broadband they need, the FirstNet team at AT&T deployed a dedicated FirstNet portable cell site (SatCOLT).  Watch and listen as GLFPD Wildland Division Chief Brian Faith describes how they resolved their communications issues with a FirstNet portable cell site during this critical time. 

Public safety agencies on FirstNet have 24/7 access to a nationwide fleet of land-based and airborne deployable network assets – like a SatCOLT – at no additional charge. These assets link to FirstNet via satellite without relying on commercial power, providing public safety with similar capabilities and connectivity as a cell tower.

And we go beyond our commitment to build and operate FirstNet by putting resources behind supporting stronger public safety and community relationships – making our support of the WFF a natural tie.

Recognized as the safety net for the entire wildland firefighting community across the United States, the WFF’s focus is to help families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families. They honor and acknowledge past, present and future members of the wildland firefighting community, and partner with private and interagency organizations to bring recognition to wildland firefighters. 

Earlier this year, we also made a commitment to support the health and wellness of public safety professionals. The public safety community makes a tremendous impact on local communities. However, the service public safety provides to our communities does not come without personal sacrifice and burdens. That’s why we’re putting resources behind supporting the issue of responder health and wellness – going beyond our commitment to build and operate FirstNet. 

One way we’re achieving this is through our recent collaboration with All Clear Foundation, FirstNet is helping to increase the accessibility of education, resources and support that will aid first responders who may be struggling with health and wellness challenges brought on by the unique stressors of their jobs. Now, a limited number of FirstNet subscribers who act quickly will have free access* to ResponderRel8, ACF’s peer-to-peer chat app that enables First Responders to connect, celebrate and commiserate with peers anonymously.FirstNet primary users can download ResponderRel8 via FirstNet Central here. 

If you would like to donate, please text WILDFIRE to 20222 to donate $10 to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation.** 

Visit here for more information on Wildland Firefighter Foundation. 

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