9-1-1 Impact Awards

During her tenure as Chair the FCC took steps to address the following public safety issues:

• Facilitating the transition to NG9-1-1 by requiring the service providers to transmit 9-1-1 traffic in an IP-format to ECCs.
• Ensuring 9-1-1 calls are routed to the appropriate 9-1-1 center by requiring service providers to implement location-based routing for wireless 9-1-1 calls.
• Improving the information ECCs receive during 9-1-1 outages by harmonizing the outage notification rules for service providers.
• Improving access to 9-1-1 in areas without traditional cellular service by adopting a framework to enable partnerships between satellite service providers and terrestrial wireless service providers to extend the wireless providers’ network coverage.
• Improving the utility of wireless emergency alerts by requiring the service providers to support a new WEA alert code for missing and endangered persons, and requiring nationwide WEA testing to improve the accuracy, speed, and reliability of WEA delivery.
• Protecting public safety use of the 4.9 GHz band by initiating a new framework that ensures public safety users have interference-free access to the band and supports the use of innovative technologies in the band.
• Increasing coordination among the service providers during disasters to ensure reliable access to 9-1-1 by implementing the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative.
• Rosenworcel was the first to suggest using FCC spectrum auction proceeds to fund the transition to NG9-1-1 nationwide and repeatedly urged Congress to pass NG9-1-1 funding legislation during her tenure as FCC Chairwoman.
• Rosenworcel has supported the reclassification of public safety telecommunicators as a protective service in the Standard Occupational Classification and routinely recognizes the lifesaving work of 9-1-1 professionals, including by visiting 9-1-1 centers.
• Prior to joining the FCC, Rosenworcel served as senior communications counsel for the US Senate Commerce Committee, where she played a key role in the formation of the legislation that created FirstNet and a significant R&D program for public safety communications.
• In 2013, Rosenworcel received the APCO International Leadership in Advancing Communications Policy Award.

• McMorris Rodgers served as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
• As Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, McMorris Rodgers played a role in advancing legislation to modernize emergency response systems.
• Under her leadership, in 2023 the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed the Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act which would have directed the proceeds from FCC spectrum auctions to fund the deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 nationwide.
• Before Congress, she served in the Washington State House of Representatives, eventually becoming House Minority Leader.

• She is Vice Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board. As board member, Renee has played a key role in advancing the capabilities of the FirstNet network, ensuring first responders have access to cutting-edge communication tools during emergencies. Drawing on her extensive background in public safety, Renee has been a vocal advocate for tailoring FirstNet’s services to meet the specific demands of diverse communities and first responders.
• Renee is a commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and serves on the International Public Safety Association.
• Prior to her current position, Renee served as the director of 9-1-1 and emergency communications in Baltimore, MD.
• Renee’s career in public safety began as a member of the Prince George’s County Police Department, where she transitioned to public safety communications in 2008.
• Renee holds RPL and CPE certifications from APCO.