AT&T Delivers FirstNet Core to First Responder Network Authority.  AT&T has delivered the FirstNet core to the First Responder Network Authority, a major step in providing the secure, dedicated network that public safety has long fought for and needs to carry out its vital mission.  As Chief Technology Officer and Operations Director, FirstNet's Jeff Bratcher, explains in the announcement blog, "the FirstNet core is the first-ever and the only dedicated core network infrastructure built specifically for our nation's first responders.  The core is the brain and nervous system of the FirstNet network and is dedicated entirely and only to public safety traffic.  It supports current FirstNet functions, like priority and preemption, and will also support future mission-critical services to be offered by FirstNet, like push-to-talk and location based services."

Saluting Public Safety Telecommunicators!  Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored.  This week-long event, initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office in California, is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public.  It is a week that should be set aside so everyone can be made aware of their hard work and dedication.  Ralph Haller, NPSTC Chair, states, "NPSTC applauds National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.  The week celebrates both first responders and the thousands of dedicated workers behind the scenes. We owe our American way of life to these dedicated individuals, who should be celebrated all year long."

Please Join NPSTC for any Additional Committee and Working Group Meetings that Interest You.  NPSTC is holding the following meetings this week, which are open to anyone who is interested in public safety communications.  The full schedule is available on the NPSTC Public Safety Calendar, including conference lines and access codes.

Cross Border Working Group, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

LMR to LTE Integration and Interoperability Working Group, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. ET

Public Safety Internet of Things (IoT) Working Group, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. ET

Radio Programming Compatible Requirements (PCR) Working Group, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET