FirstNet Authority Board officials are commending a member of the inaugural Board for receiving a communications award for
contributions to advancement of public safety broadband communications.
Teri Takai received the Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award during 5×5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, hosted by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division.
Authorities said 5×5 is a national conference gathering technologists, researchers, developers and public safety to share ideas and innovative solutions that can advance public safety communications.
The award was created in honor of Chief McEwen, who was a driving force in the establishment of FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, and served as founding chair of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC).
“Teri Takai’s strong leadership guided the FirstNet Authority Board in moments that were pivotal to the success of FirstNet,” FirstNet Authority Board Chair and Fire Chief Richard Carrizzo said. “Her strategic expertise in government IT and management helped guide the FirstNet Authority through critical milestones—from the award of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network contract to the initial deployment of FirstNet. We would not be where we are today without her extraordinary service. Teri was instrumental in bringing public safety’s vision to life.”
Takai said she is honored to receive the award.
“Every day first responders run toward danger,” she said. “Their life-saving mission is admirable, and reliable communications should be one of the basic foundations that assists them with their mission. The FirstNet Authority is making this a reality for public safety agencies nationwide and I am proud to have played a part in this historic journey.”