American Security Today’s Excellence in Public Safety and Government Excellence Award Winners are a special breed of agencies and individuals whose efforts have far-reaching impacts on our communities through their commitment, diligence, and innovation in the field of government, homeland security, enterprise, and public safety sectors.

‘ASTORS’ Excellence awards are organized to recognize the achievements and innovations driven by these visionary government agencies and individuals to celebrate and champion these change-makers that challenge mediocrity and embrace new technologies to shape the future of homeland security and public safety.

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, an exclusive sold-out event, welcomed over two hundred and forty representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and top industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines, and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

American Security Today is delighted to Introduce the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Government Excellence and Excellence in Public Safety Awards Honorees:

 

30×30 Initiative

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• Advancing Women in Policing

• Currently, women comprise only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership in the U.S. This under-representation of women in policing undermines public safety.

• Research shows women officers use less force and less excessive force; are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits; are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate; see better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases; and make fewer discretionary arrests.

(In March 2022 the Memphis Police Department made a new pledge in celebration of Women’s History Month: hire more women by the year 2030. MPD Chief CJ Davis – the department’s first top cop – signed the “30×30 Initiative,” with a goal of women making up 30% of the department by the year 2030. “For me, especially being a person who has been involved in this industry for more than 30 years, to see the playing field being leveled and not changing qualifications but simply making sure that anyone who is qualified has an opportunity.” Courtesy of Memphis Police Department and YouTube.)

• The 30×30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in policing agencies across the United States. 

• Various efforts across the country—such as the groundbreaking work of the National Center for Women and Policing—have significantly advanced women and built a foundation of research and evidence. But there is still a very long way to go. 

• In 2018, Chief Ivonne Roman (ret.) of the Newark Police Department approached Mo McGough at the National Institute of Justice, the research and development agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, about the chronic under-representation of women in U.S. policing and its dire implications for broader public safety.

• Roman and NIJ staff led by McGough hosted a national research summit on women in policing, bringing together over 100 women representing law enforcement leadership, researchers, and professional organizations. The report from that summit guides their work today.   

(Chief Kathy Lester is making history as the first woman to lead the Sacramento Police Department. Courtesy of ABC10 and YouTube. Posted on Mar 24, 2022.)

• The 30×30 Initiative is working with policing agencies to improve recruiting practices and establish community partnerships so that agencies become truly representative of the jurisdictions they serve. While 30×30 is focused on advancing women in policing, these principles apply to all demographic diversity, not just gender.

 

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)

 

Excellence in Public Safety

• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) law enforcement agency that protects our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson, and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.

• The ATF partners with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, and the innovative use of technology.

(Learn More. In 1978, ATF developed a national response capability to help federal, state, and local investigators meet the challenges of significant arson and explosives incidents. This capability, the National Response Team (NRT), can respond anywhere in the United States within 24 hours to assist state and local investigators. Courtesy of ATFHQ and YouTube.)

 

Celinez Nunez

Excellence in Public Safety

• Celinez Nunez is a seasoned Chief Security Officer with 25 years of experience serving as an executive thought leader to security, risk management, and compliance strategies for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). She is one of the leading decision makers for the $1.7B agency tasked with informing strategic and operational agendas impacting 5.6K personnel and long-term organizational success.
  

• Nunez’ background includes a breadth of experience refining security operations spanning physical and personal security on a national scale. She is adept at pivoting existing programs to adopt advanced strategies that minimize risks and bridge gaps in compliance, safety, and performance as a recognized security and compliance subject matter expert.
  

• Nunez thrives in a matrixed environment that requires keen industry and situational intelligence. She is an influential security executive with a penchant for building and leading powerful teams that maximize program capabilities pivotal to agency mission values.

• She continues to serve in professional and executive board leadership capacities to revolutionize security and compliance initiatives for greater impact community and nationwide.

 

Dana Nichols

Excellence in Public Safety

• Dana Nichols serves as the Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information (OSII) for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and is responsible for coordinating all of the agency’s field intelligence units and interagency collaboration. 

 

Michael Breslin

Excellence in Public Safety 

• Michael Breslin is a retired federal law enforcement senior executive with twenty-four years of law enforcement and homeland security experience. 

• Most of his career was spent with the United States Secret Service (USSS), focusing on the integrated mission of investigations and protection.  Breslin served as the Deputy Assistant Director in the Office of Investigations with oversight of 162 domestic and foreign field offices.

• Throughout his career, he initiated and managed high-profile transnational cyber and financial crime investigations, and he also developed highly effective security solutions which ensured the protection of U.S. and foreign dignitaries and facilities, including the President of the United States, the Vice President, and visiting heads of state.

• Breslin currently serves as the Director of Strategic Client Relations and Federal Law Enforcement, for LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

• Breslin was nominated for this recognition by Dean C. Alexander, Director of the Homeland Security Research Program & Professor at Western Illinois University, himself a 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winner.

 

Jack Brogan, MA, LCADC

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• Jack Brogan is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with MTI Counseling Service, LLP.

• Brogan provides Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Services to some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities.

• He specializes in working with adolescents and young adults, counsels, teaches, and models a firm Christian perspective to patients, often with a positive outcome for families struggling with the disease of addiction.

• Thank you Jack, for all that you do for so many.

 

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Excellence in Public Safety

• Active Assailant Security Branch, Active Shooter Preparedness Program

• Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable and evolve quickly.

• Amid chaos, anyone can play an integral role in mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident. DHS aims to enhance preparedness through a “whole community” approach by providing  products, tools, and resources to help you prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident.

(For example, CISA’s “Active Shooter Preparedness: School Security and Resilience” video provides information geared towards educators, school resource officers, and school administrators who serve in important roles in safeguarding schools. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)

• To access the most applicable information, please select the appropriate category for your application from the following: First Responders and Security Professionals, Private Citizens, Critical Infrastructures and Business, Active Shooter Preparedness Workshop/Webinar, Employee Vigilance and De-escalation, Products/Resources.

• Learn More, through CISA’s series of videos for additional information.

(The DHS Active Shooter PowerPoint Presentation and Webinar video is used by DHS-qualified subject-matter experts as a visual reference to guide critical infrastructure owners and operators with a better understanding of developing an organization’s emergency action plan. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)

 

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Excellence in Public Safety

• Active Assailant Security Branch, Vehicle Ramming Self-Assessment Tool

• Using a vehicle as a weapon in a terrorist attack is not new.

• Recent terrorist incidents and violent extremist propaganda demonstrate that using vehicles as a weapon continues to be of interest to those wishing to cause harm.

• Attacks of this nature require minimal capability but can have a devastating impact in crowded places with low levels of visible security.

• To aid our nation’s first responders and citizens, CISA offers the following resources: the Vehicle Ramming Self-Assessment Tool, the Self-Assessment Tool Resources, the First Responder Toolbox, General Resources, and videos.

(Learn More. The FBI, DHS, and TSA—in coordination with the Truck Renting and Leasing Association and the American Car Rental Association—have released a short training video to help vehicle rental employees identify suspicious activities and behavior by customers who may wish to use a rented vehicle for nefarious purposes. Courtesy of the FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and YouTube. Posted on Aug 3, 2022.)

• To contact the Vehicle Ramming Attack Mitigation team or to get more information on Vehicle Ramming Attack Mitigation, please contact CISA.ISD.OSP.VehicleRammingMitigation@cisa.dhs.gov.

 

Nitin Natarajan, Deputy Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Excellence in Homeland Security

• Nitin Natarajan was appointed to serve as the Deputy Director for CISA on February 16, 2021. Before joining CISA in February 2021, Natarajan served in various public and private sector positions spanning over 30 years.

• Most recently, he served as an executive at consulting firms providing subject matter expertise on a number of topics, including IT, cybersecurity, homeland, and national security, critical infrastructure protection, environmental emergency management, continuity of operations, and health security matters.

• Natarajan also held several federal government roles, including serving as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of Critical Infrastructure Policy at the White House/National Security Council, and the Director at the U.S. Health and Human Services overseeing their critical infrastructure, continuity of operations (COOP), and medical logistics programs.

• Prior to serving in the federal government, Natarajan served in positions at the state/local government level and served as a hospital administrator.

• Natarajan started his career spending 13 years as a first responder in New York including service as a flight paramedic. He was the Commander of a federal medical response team, based in New York, and has extensive experience deploying to natural and man-made disasters throughout the nation.

• He holds an undergraduate degree from the State University of New York and a graduate degree from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.

(Hear from Nitin Natarajan to learn more about the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is an operational component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under the leadership of Director Jen Easterly, CISA works to understand, manage, and mitigate risk to the nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure in the public and private sectors. Their virtual mini-Industry Day events allow CISA and industry leaders to have meaningful discussions about cybersecurity, infrastructure, risk management, and communications capabilities, challenges, and technologies, as well as future business opportunities. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)

 

CISA Interagency Security Committee (ISC)

Excellence in Public Safety

• Risk Management Process and Facility Security Committee Training Course

• In response to the 1995 domestic terror bombing at the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the Interagency Security Committee was created and, with collaboration, establishes policies, monitors compliance, and enhances the security and protection of Federal Facilities.

(2020 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Interagency Security Committee. On October 19, 1995, six months after the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Executive Order 12977 created the Interagency Security Committee to address continuing government-wide security for federal facilities. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)

• With growing recognition among the Federal security community that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is no longer acceptable, the ISC’s Risk Management Process has become the standard for physical security within the federal government.

• Realizing the need to educate security personnel, the ISC RMP Training Program was formed. The ISC RMP is the first training program recognized and certified by the ISC to train federal security professionals in the ISC Risk Management Process.

• This is done through collaborative exercises and hands-on interactive instruction based on an Instructional Systems Design, a nationally recognized process.

• The Risk Management Process and Facility Security Committee Training Course awards Continuing Education Units is offered at no cost to participants and provides an understanding of the ISC Risk Management Process Standard, and the roles and responsibilities of Facility Security Committees.

• To learn more about the ISC RMP Training and how to register, please visit www.cisa.gov/interagency-security-committee-training.

 

DHS Federal Protective Service (FPS), in Collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

Excellence in Public Safety

• Triage and Investigation for Expediated Response (TIER) Tool

• Identifying precursors that will assist in identifying individuals who may be a threat to protected persons and facilities has long been a focus of law enforcement and security personnel.

• Agencies can become overwhelmed with threats (via email, voice, mail) and other inappropriate communications, in a tidal wave of rhetoric, making it difficult to prioritize responsive action.

• Underscoring this trend, there were 692 mass shootings reported in the United States in 2021, and as of June 2022, there were 293 such events. The ability to quickly analyze and react to threatening emails, voice, and mail messages when the sheer number received is overwhelming, would provide a powerful tool to law enforcement.

• Understanding this challenge, the DHS Federal Protective Service has partnered with the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory to determine if it is possible to use machine learning approaches to develop a solution for automated threat prioritization.

• The result of this research is the creation of the Triage and Investigation for Expediated Response (TIER) tool, which uses a machine learning approach to identify potential subjects of concern based on semantic cues uncovered from the analysis of communication transcripts.

• The aim of TIER is to identify warning behaviors and to flag communications received by the Federal Government through official government email, government phone systems, or official mail. Moreover, TIER is solely focused on the rhetoric/communicated language received by FPS and excludes biographical or personal information related to the person communicating the message, which helps avoid concerns related to bias, targeting, or profiling.

• *FPS and ANL have now been recognized for their Fifth Consecutive Year in the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

 

DHS Science & Technology (S&T) (First of Five)

Excellence in Public Safety

• HIVE: Algorithmic Framework for Standoff Concealed Threat Detection

• The real-time detection of concealed threats is critical for protecting public transportation, sports arenas, and other open, difficult-to-secure environments.

• New sensing technologies, such as standoff active-RF imaging, can help security personnel screen customers and bags quickly without affecting the flow of traffic. However, accurately detecting threats in the complex environment of crowds carrying everyday items remains a challenge.

• The HIVE (Hierarchical Inference for Volumetric Estimation) is a custom deep convolutional neural network architecture that interprets volumetric video generated by standoff, active-RF imagers, for standoff concealed threat detection to enable new approaches to protect people and infrastructure in areas where traditional security checkpoints are not feasible.

 

DHS Science & Technology (S&T) (Second of Five)

Excellence in Homeland Security

• Technologically Speaking Podcast

• Technologically Speaking is a new podcast series that delivers insightful, thought-provoking, and unscripted conversations about timely national security challenges and the scientific solutions S&T is developing to tackle them. We even sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes stories, personal anecdotes, little-known facts, and technology tidbits so you can get to know S&T, and its people, a little better.

• These casual conversations are unlike anything S&T has done before, but innovation is in their DNA.

• To learn more, and access Season One of the S&T Technologically Speaking Podcasts, go to www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/technologically-speaking-podcast-season-one to listen in on everything from S&T experts on the untapped potential of bomb techs, how S&T tackles food defense, to the complexities and imperfections of how technology recognizes faces.

 

DHS Science & Technology (S&T), in Collaboration with the Coast Guard (Third of Five)

Excellence in Maritime Safety & Security

• Project Titanic

• One hundred and ten years after the RMS Titanic’s tragic collision with an iceberg, DHS S&T is developing new technology to help the U.S. Coast Guard improve maritime safety and navigation in the North Atlantic Ocean.

• When complete, Project Titanic will fuse satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery with ship reporting systems to detect, identify, and report iceberg locations to the maritime community.

 

DHS Science & Technology (S&T), in Collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (Fourth of Five)

Excellence Homeland Security

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Electromagnetic Pulse/Geomagnetic Disturbance

• In October of 2022, DHS S&T released a report of operational approaches to protect the National Public Warning System from an electromagnetic pulse (EMP).

• “Electromagnetic pulses, whether caused by an intentional EMP attack or a naturally occurring geomagnetic disturbance from severe space weather, could disrupt critical infrastructures such as the electrical grid, communications equipment, water, and wastewater systems, and transportation modes,” explained Brent Talbot at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

• “This could impact millions of people over large parts of the country. It is critical to protect against the potential damage an EMP event could cause.”

• The report, a collaborative effort between the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program, and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), also recognized in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, summarizes recommendations that federal, state, local agencies, and private sector critical infrastructure owners and operators can employ to protect against the effects of an EMP event.

 

DHS Science & Technology (S&T) (Fifth of Five)

Excellence in Homeland Security

• REDOPS Bomb Squad Innovations

• It takes a special kind of person to be a bomb technician—someone who is brave, disciplined, determined, levelheaded, and creative.

• Operators must effectively employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills while working in stressful, potentially life-threatening situations. As a result, bomb technicians’ ability to expect the unexpected and adjust accordingly has created a consistent pipeline of do-it-yourself (DIY) inventions to solve everyday issues they face, and the DHS S&T  works to validate and distribute these new capabilities.

• “We have direct communication with state and local bomb squads across the country through S&T’s First Responder Resource Group (FRRG),” explained REDOPS Program Manager Byung Hee Kim at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

• REDOPS also participates in the U.S. Army-funded Raven’s Challenge exercise series, U.S. Bomb Technicians Association events, National Tactical Officers Association events, and other state and local exercises to identify user innovations.

• *DHS S&T has now been recognized with Multiple Awards for Six Consecutive Years in the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs.

 

Donald A. Bansleben, Ph.D.

Excellence in Homeland Security

• “One of our core missions at DHS S&T is to prevent terrorism and enhance security,” explains Program Manager Dr. Don Bansleben, of the DHS S&T Office of Mission and Capability Support at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

• “A crucial goal is to rapidly identify and respond to an event involving chemical and biological weapons and minimize the impact to the public and critical infrastructure.”

• DHS S&T establishes projects to address these challenges, as well as opportunities for technology developers to test and evaluate their technologies in real-world settings and urban transportation environments.

 

Vincent Collins

Excellence in Public Safety

• Vincent Collins, MPA, MA, is a security and business executive with career experience in security risk management, intelligence, security operations development, global project management, and client relationship development, and currently serves as the Director of Facilities Security at National Basketball Association (NBA).

• Before Collins assumed responsibilities for the NBA, he also served as an NYPD Lieutenant at World Trade Center Command, and the Counter Terrorism Bureau, and is a 21-year veteran of the NYPD.

 

DRONERESPONDERS

Excellence in Public Safety and Disaster Response

• Public Safety UAS and Drones For Good

DRONERESPONDERS is a non-profit program created to unite new aerial first responders, emergency managers, and search and rescue (SAR) specialists under a unified organization to help them to learn, train, and test with one another, with the ultimate objective of maximizing drone operations for public safety, and countering the growing threats of rogue drones.

(Catch a glimpse as to why DRONERESPONDERS is the world’s fasted growing non-profit program supporting public safety UAS! Courtesy of DRONERESPONDERS and YouTube.)

• DRONERESPONDERS ranks are growing each day as more organizations embrace the use of UAS for public safety missions.

• The DRONERESPONDERS program is led by Chief Charles Werner (ret.), who serves as the director, and is himself a 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winner for ‘Excellence in Public Safety.’

• Chief Werner is a Public Safety Advisor & Chair of the National Council on Public Safety UAS (NCPSU), a former Founder and Chair of the International Association of Fire Chief’s Technology Council (IFAC), a Public Safety Advisor for the National Center for Security & Preparedness at the University at Albany, and Fire Chief Chair Emeritus for the City of Charlottesville, in North Carolina.

• DRONERESPONDERS hosts the largest online Resource Center and the Global Public Safety Drone Directory/Dashboard. Membership and all resources are FREE.

• To learn more, or join up today, please visit www.droneresponders.org.

 

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Excellence in Homeland Security

• Active Shooter Program

• Shortly after the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in December 2012, the FBI sought ways its personnel could better assist its law enforcement partners. Two actions enhanced these efforts.

• First, the Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2012, signed into law by the president in January 2013, permits the U.S. attorney general—at the request of appropriate state or local law enforcement personnel—to provide federal assistance during active shooter incidents and mass killings (defined by the law as three or more people) in public places. The attorney general delegated this responsibility to the FBI.

• Second, working with other cabinet agencies, the FBI is finding ways to help prevent and respond to active shooters. A White House working group—consisting of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services—is part of a broader initiative, Now is the Time, undertaken after the Sandy Hook shootings.

(As part of their efforts, see this FBI training video, where customers at a bar are caught in an active shooter event. By employing the run, hide, and fight tactics, as well as knowing the basics of rendering first aid to others, they are prepared, empowered, and able to survive the attack. Courtesy of FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and YouTube.)

• DOJ, led by the FBI, was specifically tasked with training law enforcement and other first responders to ensure that protocols for responding to active shooter situations are consistent across the country.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) was also recognized in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Program, and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) Program, was recognized in the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program. 

 

Katherine Schweit

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• Katherine Schweit is an attorney, a security consultant, and a retired FBI special agent.

• “I was tagged by the FBI to create their Active Shooter program after the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School,” explains Schweit at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

• “Since then, I’ve devoted my energy to help prevent more tragedies. My mission is to teach people their role in ending gun violence in their community. You can make a difference. Parents, educators, community leaders, policymakers, and security professionals can all help stop the killing. It starts with knowledge. You are part of the solution.” 

• In her new book ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis, Schweit offers insight into what each of us can do to end the active shooter crisis plaguing America.

• Within the pages of the book, she provides us with an insider’s look at what we’ve learned and failed to learn, about protecting our businesses, houses of worship, and schools.

(Hear directly from Katherine Schweit following a mass shooting resulting in the death of ten at a Colorado grocery on March 23, 2021. Courtesy of MSNBC and YouTube. Posted on Mar 25, 2021.)

• In STOP THE KILLING, Schweit demystifies the language around active shooters, mass killings, threat assessment teams, and more. Never gathered before into one place, readers gain access to evidence-based research and the most up-to-date information as they travel step-by-step through shooting prevention efforts and shooting aftermaths.

• Beginning with an understanding of HOW to spot potential shooters, readers learn the many ways to prevent shootings and the role threat assessment teams play.

 

Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY)

Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response

• The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and is universally recognized as the world’s busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency.

• The FDNY’s main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs.

• Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department’s core values. To that end, FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property.

(See them in Action. “Fire, EMS, and dispatch did an extraordinary job rescuing several civilians, including an incredible roof rope rescue on the 20th floor. I cannot emphasize enough the extraordinary work of our members in unbelievably dangerous conditions,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh on the efforts by #FDNY members at a 3-alarm fire at 429 East 52nd Street in Manhattan on Saturday, November 5th, 2022. Courtesy of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and YouTube. Posted on Nov 9, 2022.)

• FDNY not only responds to more than a million emergencies every year, but its personnel also strive to prevent them by continually educating the public in fire, life safety, and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes.

 

Richard Blatus

Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response

• For His Lifetime of Service to the City of New York

• Chief Richard Blatus is a 42+ year member of the FDNY, previously serving as the Acting Chief of Fire Operations with direct oversight of the daily operational and administrative duties of uniformed fire personnel.

• As a senior member of the agency, Chief Blatus has worked to advance initiatives in strategic and operational readiness.

• A strong proponent of training, Chief Blatus is a published author and has lectured nationally on topics ranging from homeland security to leadership and emergency management training.

• He holds a Master’s Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, which was also recognized in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, and degrees in both Fire and Business Administration. 

 

Joseph Jardin

Excellence in Public Safety

• For His Unwavering Efforts in Fire Prevention in NYC

• Currently assigned to the Bureau of Fire Operations, Chief Joseph Jardin formerly served as the Chief of Fire Prevention and FDNY’s Chief of Safety.

• With more than 35 years of service with the FDNY, much of Joe’s career was spent in Rescue Operations – Firefighter – Rescue Co. 2, Lieutenant – Squad 252, Captain in Rescue Operations, and Battalion Chief in the Rescue Battalion.

• Chief Jardin has served as one of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue’s (USAR) NY-TF1 Task Force Leaders, deploying to several significant incidents, including Hurricanes Katrina and Georges, as well as National Level Event standbys, and also served as Incident Support Team Leader and Deputy Incident Support Team Leader of the FEMA USAR Red Incident Support Team.

• A licensed Fire Protection Engineer, Chief Jardin formerly worked as a Life Safety Engineer for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and as a Fire Protection Engineer with Bechtel Power Corporation.

 

Frank Leeb

Excellence in Public Safety

• For His Tireless Work on Preventing Cancer in Firefighters

• Chief Frank Leed is a Deputy Assistant Chief in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), and currently serves as the acting chief of training.

• Chief Leed has been a member of the FDNY since 1992, and also a member of the East Farmingdale Fire Department since 1983 (Long Island, NY).

• Chief Leed is a frequent author and speaker on several fire service topics, most notably topics concerning cancer in the fire service. 

“We honor and remember our fallen by tracking the small failures and evolving and changing when necessary,” Frank Leeb, Chief of the FDNY Fire Academy shares. In this episode, we take a look at updates to training, technology, and equipment that provide firefighters with a readiness to respond. “All of the things, whether they’re small or large, literally translate to lives of people that are willing to give their life for you,” Rachael Ray, LFF Board Director shares. And learn how fire departments across the U.S. work to better prepare themselves for that next emergency. Courtesy of The Leary Firefighters Foundation and YouTube. Posted on Sep 2, 2021.)

• Chief Leed is the current chair of the FDNY Contamination Reduction Workgroup, a principal serving on NFPA Technical Committee Fire and Emergency Service Organization and Deployment-Career (NFPA 1710), a Principal serving on NFPA Technical Committee Emergency Responders Occupational Health (NFPA 1585), and a principal serving on NFPA Technical Committee on Cannabis Growing and Processing Facilities  (NFPA 420).   

(Take an inside look into the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island, as they discuss the Fire Academy’s para-military structure, the probies, and the many memorials and training facilities throughout the island, guided by Deputy Assistant Chief – Chief of the Fire Academy; Frank Leeb as he gives us the inside scoop on many of the little details you might not know about. Hang on it’s going to be a great ride. Courtesy of Gettin Salty Experience and YouTube.)

 

InfraGard National Members Alliance

Excellence in Critical Infrastructure Protection for Government

• National Infrastructure Security and Resilience U (NISRU)

• The InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA) is an FBI-affiliated independent nonprofit organization that protects U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people.

• Established in 2003, INMA represents the private sector component of the FBI’s InfraGard program, which is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and members of the private sector for the protection of U.S. critical infrastructure. Currently, there are over 86,000 InfraGard members nationwide.

(Learn More about InfraGard, from NEC NSS, a 2022 Diamond Sponsor of InfraGard National Members Alliance, an FBI-affiliated non-profit organization dedicated to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people. NEC and InfraGard National Members Alliance are co-creating solutions to prevent and combat human tracking. Courtesy of NEC America and YouTube.)

• National Infrastructure Security and Resilience U (NISRU) is the flagship eLearning program of InfraGard National Members Alliance, with a mission to develop and deliver education, training, and workforce development programs – including webinars, workshops, conference events, and other learning opportunities – for InfraGard members, and other security stakeholders to advance their knowledge and skills in critical infrastructure protection and resilience.

• Sourced from the U.S. national security and critical infrastructure protection community, its instructor’s present industry-relevant workshops and courses based on an all-threats, all-hazards approach, and specifically, is focused on providing content that aligns with the 16 critical infrastructure sectors outlined by the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which was also recognized in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards, and were originally identified in Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21).

• Since its inception in 2020, NISRU has provided low-cost or no-cost critical infrastructure protection training and education to over 25,000 critical infrastructure owners, operators, and stakeholders nationwide, who have significant responsibility for the security of their organizations, have been able to benefit from a unique and affordable eLearning program that offers the most depth and breadth in the critical infrastructure space.

• NISRU currently offers 70+ self-paced online courses and webinars, the majority of which are eligible for continuing professional education credits (CPEs), and given its audience, the knowledge provided ensures that America has the capabilities needed to meet the evolving landscape of critical infrastructure threats.

• Click here to learn how to become a InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA) member.

• *InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA) was also recognized in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program for its 25 years of service to our nation.

 

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program

Excellence in Public Safety

• The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing over 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement, dedicated to investigating, prosecuting, and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children.

(Child exploitation cases have skyrocketed, presenting agencies like the Seattle Police Department with a massive challenge to save more children from these heinous crimes. This story is about a few officers in Seattle, WA, but their narrative is a strong reminder that there are good cops everywhere solving heinous crimes and putting their lives on the line for citizens worldwide. Courtesy of Cellebrite and YouTube.)

• Training programs delivered by ICAC training providers are essential in providing the federal, state, and local agencies, that make up the ICAC Task Force Program, with the tools, and techniques necessary to develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children.

• ICAC training providers also have an extensive catalog of e-learning and classroom training programs available to ICAC members.

• One of the best tools to prevent internet crimes against children is education.

• Educating the public through the development and delivery of public awareness and prevention programs is also one of the many important initiatives of the ICAC Task Force Program. For example, in 2018, members of the ICAC delivered more than 13,400 community outreach presentations to local communities across the nation.

• To become a member, access or browse training opportunities, or register for upcoming training opportunities, please click here.

 

Todd Jackson

Excellence in Public Safety 

• In recognition of a mission-driven career professional law enforcement practitioner and security executive, Todd Jackson currently serves as the Vice President of Threat Management and Security for Madison Square Garden (MSG).

• Jackson is an experienced professional with a law enforcement background and a demonstrated history of working in the security and investigations industry. He is highly skilled in private investigations, physical security, and personal security.

• Jackson is well known in the industry for his strong problem-solving abilities, and protective services skills, and possesses an M.A. focused in psychology from Adelphi University.

 

Lipstick Mafia

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• Over a decade ago, a group of women from across the intelligence, law enforcement, and defense communities decided to formalize long-standing friendships which transcended typically closed communities to share their experience and mentor the next generation of leaders. They adopted the name ‘Lipstick Mafia,’ first for fun, and then as an identity.

• Slowed for formal gatherings by COVID, Lipstick Mafia reconvened on March 17th, 2022 sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), “wearing a bit of green for St Patrick’s Day, and celebrating Women’s History Month,” explained Lipstick Mafia founder and President of NEC NSS, Dr. Kathleen Kiernan.

• “In keeping with tradition, the event hosted two senior experienced leaders, Deputy Assistant Secretary Annette Redmond for Intelligence Policy and Coordination at the U.S. Department of State and LTG (Ret) Karen Gibson, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper at the U.S. Senate.”

• The group’s mission, according to Dr. Kiernan, is “to share from experienced leaders, where the stones (or steps) are, for navigating life, careers, and opportunities to help cultivate and guide the next generation of leaders.”

• The next Lipstick Mafia event is tentatively scheduled for March 2023, so if you want to learn more or participate, please click here.

 

Min Kyriannis

Excellence in Cybersecurity

• Advancing Women in Cybersecurity

• Min Kyriannis, the Founder & CEO of Amyna Systems Inc., is a recognized technology leader and a pioneer in developing an industry-leading cybersecurity program for Building Systems, with more than 25 years of experience  in enterprise and converged systems, information technology, operational technology, cybersecurity, physical security, and risk management across the globe.

• In her previous roles, Kyriannis served as the Head of Cybersecurity and Head of Cybersecurity & Technology Development, where she pioneered and developed an industry-leading cybersecurity program for building systems.

• Kyriannis co-founded the Global Cyber Consortium, and is a member of the Curious Minds Dive Foundation’s Advisory Board, a STEAM program dedicated to ocean sciences.

(Learn More. Dive into the dangers of misinformation and explore how to begin disentangling the web, with Cybersecurity Vault guest Min Kyriannis. Courtesy of Cybersecurity Vault and YouTube. Posted in July 2022.)

• Kyriannis also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Women in International Security (WIIS), which was also recognized in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, and previously served as Chair of SIA’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board, Vice-Chair of SIA’s New Product Showcase, and co-Chair of WIIS-NY.

 

John McDonald

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• John McDonald has spent a lifetime finding ways to protect others, first as a police officer and most recently as the head of security for the Colorado school district that will forever be known as the home of the Columbine High School shooting. Because of his extraordinary talents, McDonald was recently asked to take on a new role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the newly formed National Council of School Safety Leadership.

• The Council is a collaboration with the Missouri School Board Association and Safe and Sound Schools, the latter an organization created by parents of children killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.

• During his time with JEFFCO Schools, McDonald led the crisis response to several tragedies, including the 2010 Deer Creek Middle School shooting for which he was recognized as the School Safety Director of the Year, and the 2012 kidnapping and murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway while on her way to school.

• And the 2014 tragedy when a high school student intentionally set himself on fire in front of more than 200 classmates, and the 2019 20th Columbine memorial event threatened disruption by a 19-year-old woman infatuated with the Columbine killers who traveled from Florida to Colorado prepared to attack.

  (Hear directly from John McDonald, who led the safety efforts for Jeffco Public Schools and is recognized nationally for active shooter preparedness and emergency planning. He has managed several school-based crises, including the Columbine High School shooting. Courtesy of FOX31 Denver and YouTube. Posted on May 24, 2022.)

• He learned best practices and managed investigations and security programs for a worldwide shipping company that operates in 26 states. Then, mergers and promotions led him to the worldwide packing and shipping company, DHL Express, where he served as a senior manager for United States security and investigations.

• Along the way, he served seven years as a communications specialist in the Army National Guard, explained former head of the FBI’s Active Shooter Program, Katherine Schweit, who nominated McDonald for this recognition. 

 

John Muffler

Excellence in Public Safety

•  Industry influencer, keynote speaker, and proven Subject Matter Expert in security, risk, and threat management, John Muffler, MS, CTM, has been published in over 30 print and digital publications.

• A chief architect of strategic planning covering physical security tactics, threat assessment practices, and risk mitigation policy, Muffler, Principle of Aequitas Global Security, LLC, held Top Secret security clearance during his decorated service with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

 

Kenji Okuma

Excellence in Public Safety

• Kenji Okuma, the Crisis Center director for the Sandy Hook Promise national Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, combines practical experiences from more than two decades in law enforcement with expertise in high-level, complex operations management and solution-oriented community relations to create safer schools and save lives.

• Okuma believes in the power of information-sharing as absolutely critical in violence prevention, having personally seen and investigated countless acts of violence and suicide – and talking to survivors about what happened and the warning signs that preceded the tragedies.

 

Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)

Excellence in Homeland Security

• The Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) is the Lead DHS Entity for Biometric Identity Management Services Across Government.

• The need for biometrics continues to grow among DHS Components; interagency stakeholders (e.g., the Departments of State, Justice, and Defense); state, local, tribal and territorial entities; the Intelligence Community; and international mission partners. Biometrics support critical national security priorities, including counterterrorism and immigration.

• OBIM provides biometric match, store, share, and analyze services to DHS and mission partners, and is focused on delivering accurate, timely, and high-assurance biometric identity information and analysis.

• OBIM’s overall goals and priorities include improving biometric services and access to expanded biometric data to enable DHS operational missions.

 

Kenneth Gantt

Excellence in Homeland Security

• Kenneth D. Gantt is the Deputy Director of the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) within the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• Gantt’s responsibilities include working with OBIM’s customers, stakeholders, and DHS mission partners to expand the program’s services to ensure a safe, secure, and resilient homeland.

• Previously, Gantt served as Assistant Director of US-VISIT’s Program Integration and Mission Services Division, where he led the delivery of all projects, policy development, information sharing, and biometric and biographic services, including the coordination and management of the exchange of biometric, biographic, and immigration data between Government agencies.

• Before joining US-VISIT, Gantt was the Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Army Biometrics Identity Management Agency (BIMA) and the Site Manager for Clarksburg, WV, and surrounding area facilities. He managed the Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) in support of U.S. military operations. 

• A retired lieutenant colonel, Gantt commanded a field artillery battalion with the Third Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he has held command and staff positions at varying levels during his career.

 

Office of Personnel Management

Best Homeland Security Education Program

• Federal Risk Mgmt Process Training Program

• The Federal Risk Management Process Training Program (FRMPTP) was nominated for its tireless efforts in instructing over 1500 federal security practitioners in developing and implementing effective risk-based measures for protecting over 350,000 federal facilities nationwide and the millions of federal employees and visitors who work in and visit the facilities.

• This year, in response to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, at the request of the U.S. Capitol Police, the FRMPTP conducted several training sessions for security practitioners from the U.S. Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, and the Sergeant of Arms to both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representative on implementing a risk-based analytical process for the protection of the U.S. Capitol complex.

• The FRMPTP is considered the blue-ribbon standard by federal security practitioners responsible for safety and security at federal facilities. The origins of FRMPTP began in 1995 after the Oklahoma City Bombing, which destroyed the federal building and killed 168 innocent victims, including 19 children and over 800 persons injured.

• It remains the deadliest domestic terrorist attack to this day. The initial lessons learned reported to President Clinton, and the U.S. Congress was the revelation that there were no minimum physical security standards for non-military Federal facilities and no interagency organization to develop security standards and oversee compliance.

• On October 19, 1995, the President signed Executive Order 12977, creating the Interagency Security Committee (ISC), which is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security and has published over 900 pages of documentation which is a substantial quantity of material for anyone to review, process, comprehend and apply effectively if they have not had training on the material.

• In addition to instructing security practitioners on the Federal Risk Management Process Training Program, the FRMPTP also instructed federal security practitioners on how to properly conduct an Interagency Security Committee (ISC) compliant risk assessments, which was used to evaluate the threats and security posture at federal facilities and identified countermeasure recommendations that were implemented which protected federal personnel and facilities during recent incidents across the country.

• The FRMPTP was created in 2013, as the pioneer and first Interagency Security Committee-certified training course designed and specialized in protecting federal facilities for the entire Federal community.

• The training team is a collaborative interagency effort comprised of security subject-matter experts that specialize in the protection of federal facilities. 

• *FRMPTP has now been recognized for its Fifth Consecutive Year in the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

• To learn more about the Federal Risk Management Process Training Program (FRMPTP), please visit leadership.opm.gov/programs.

 

Tom O’Connor

Excellence in Public Safety

• As Co-founder and Principal Consultant at FEDSquared Consulting, Tom O’Connor,  provides security solutions for both government and non-government organizations, specializing in Domestic Extremists issues and the insider threat posed by followers of extremist ideologies.

• A Retired FBI Special Agent, with 23 years of experience working domestic and international extremist cases, in addition to having served 15 years as a local police officer working patrol, detectives, and major crimes, O’Connor has extensive experience at major crime scenes around the globe.

(Hear from O’Connor directly in this interview. “The temperature in the room is getting way too hot. This has been something that has been building up for quite some time.” Retired FBI Special Agent Tom O’Connor speaks out on reports of increased threats to law enforcement after the search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property. Courtesy of NewsNation and YouTube. Postd on Aug 15, 2022.)

• O’Connor, a frequent speaker at Law Enforcement conferences and webinars on Counterterrorism and Evidence collection topics, including Domestic Extremism, Lone Offender shootings, and Suicide Bombings, is also a Certified FBI Academy Adjunct Faculty and FBI Master Police Instructor.

• O’Connor was nominated for this honor by Dean C. Alexander, Director of the Homeland Security Research Program & Professor at Western Illinois University, himself a 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winner.

 

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI)

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• Railroad Investigation and Safety Course (RISC)

• Operation Lifesaver’s Railroad Investigation and Safety Course (RISC), was developed for the North American law enforcement and first responder community by the nation’s railroad police and Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

• RISC prepares first responders to use the proper safety techniques while investigating or responding to a grade crossing collision or trespasser incident, in addition to maintaining on-scene safety unique to the railroad environment.

(Every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Make your communities safer. Take the Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Pledge today! You Can Help #STOPTrackTragedies. See how your life can change in an instant. Courtesy of Operation Lifesaver and YouTube.)

• If railroad tracks run through your community, first responders could become involved in responding to a highway-rail grade crossing incident. The RISC course provides critical information allowing first responders to respond to and investigate incidents involving the railroad effectively and safely.

• Operation Lifesaver’s Railroad Investigation and Safety Course (RISC) is offered at the Basic (1-hour), Intermediate (2-hour), and Advanced (4-hour) levels.

• RISC training is available at no cost to help officers and first responders more effectively and safely manage such incidents.

• This course is geared towards law enforcement and first responders, teaching them how to be safe on and around railroad tracks while they are investigating an incident. 

• RISC classes are led by authorized RISC Instructors (RISC-I), and OLI also offers RISC Instructor Training opportunities.

• Download the RISC Flyer for more information, or sign up to schedule free RISC training.

 

National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE)

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), is a non-profit organization sponsored and administered directly by law enforcement practitioners, and the first organization established to address the unique needs of women holding senior management positions in law enforcement.

• NAWLEE was established in March of 1996 by six female police leaders, with the goal, which remains today, to promote the profession of law enforcement to women and support women who are in the field through training and mentoring.

• The opportunities for women in law enforcement are changing daily. With women holding only 13% of all law enforcement positions, NAWLEE provides training, mentoring, programs, and resources to help women and their agencies, pursue and provide these opportunities.

• NAWLEE wants to inspire women to enter the field of law enforcement, empower them to recognize and develop their own leadership potential and achieve their own unique career goals – AND help departments with their recruiting and training efforts to provide an inclusive environment for women in law enforcement. 

• NAWLEE Membership is OPEN TO ALL – women and men, both sworn officers and civilians, that support the advancement of women in all ranks and roles in the law enforcement profession, including those that support law enforcement, such as researchers, mental health practitioners, or those working at businesses, non-profits, or companies that support the policing profession,

(Learn More about NAWLEE from this interview from the Women in Federal Law Enforcement 2022 Annual Leadership Training. Courtesy of FEDagent and YouTube. Posted on Aug 17, 2022.)

• NAWLEE members are entitled to discounted training, reduced conference registration fees, networking events, and the opportunity to participate in research projects. Togetheer they Lead. Inspire. and Mentor.

• To join NAWLEE, visit their membership page here.

 

New York City Police Department (NYPD)

Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response

• The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is the largest and one of the oldest municipal police departments in the United States, with approximately 36,000 officers, and 19,000 civilian employees.

• The NYPD was established in 1845, and today, is responsible for policing an 8.5-million-person city, by performing a wide variety of public safety, law enforcement, traffic management, counterterror, and emergency response roles.

• In the past 25 years, the department has achieved spectacular declines in both violent and property crime, ensuring that New York City has the lowest overall rate of major crimes in the 25 largest cities in the country.

 

New York City Police Department (NYPD)

Excellence in Public Safety

• Technical Assistance and Response Unit (TARU) Plant 1

• NYPD TARU Unit Plant 1 is responsible for providing ground-breaking technologies and assistance in real-time to identify criminal activity, and in many instances, mitigate it before a tragedy occurs.

• TARU enhances the NYPD’s crime-fighting capabilities and investigations by providing technical equipment and support. 

• The TARU unit is tasked with assisting units within the department as well as federal, state, and city agencies by providing technical assistance in some of the most high-profile and confidential investigations.

 

New York City Police Foundation

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• The New York City Police Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that provides resources for the NYPD to innovate and improve the quality of its services; build bridges with the community; and make New York City a safer place to live, work and visit.

• The New York City Police Foundation provides resources for four core areas of support which:

  • Advance programs to prevent violent crime, thwart terrorism, and safeguard the people of our city;

  • Strengthen communities by building relationships between the NYPD and community members, including youth across the five boroughs;

  • Enhance leadership, wellness, and training within the NYPD; and,

  • Pilot new technologies, and provide resources and services to protect the public and the police.

(Learn More. On December 20, 2019, The NYPD and New York City Police Foundation announced an initiative rolling out 550 new light-weight bullet-resistant vests for NYPD detectives. The bullet-resistant vests previously used by the NYPD were heavier and thicker, making it difficult for undercover officers and detectives to wear them under or over their suits or other attire. The new vests are easier to wear over clothing, while still offering lifesaving protection. The need for the light-weight vests was underscored after the tragic incident that resulted in the line-of-duty death of Detective Brian Simonsen on February 12, 2019. Courtesy of the New York City Police Foundation and YouTube.)

 

New York City Hospital Police

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

• New York Hospital Police

 

John F. Tobon

Excellence in Homeland Security

Karla Templeton

Excellence in Public Safety & Disaster Response

 

TENEO Risk Advisory

Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience

(Meet Trident, Teneo Risk’s online and interactive dashboard environment that combines real-time data feeds and analytics, built to expand your strategic analysis on current and future security risk issues. Courtsy of TENEO and YouTube.)

 

Tennessee Emergency Communications Board

Excellence in Public Safety

• In the wake of several cybersecurity attacks that targeted government entities, TECB partnered with Mission Critical Partners (MCP), a mission-critical communications consulting and information technology (IT) support services firm, on a new project focused on assessing the cybersecurity status of the state’s 142 public safety answering points (PSAPs).

• The project will generate greater visibility into Tennessee’s 911 infrastructure, which is growing in complexity and sophistication as the state transitions to Next Generation 911 (NG911), a broadband, Internet Protocol (IP)-based system that enables the transmission of real-time text, images, video and voice calls.

• Tennessee is a leader in implementing NG911 technology with a nationally recognized, redundant Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network (ESInet) known as NetTN.

• This network, which has been operating for seven years, processes more than 20 million calls annually and helps to keep Tennessee’s citizens and visitors safe.

• TECB implemented this two-year statewide cybersecurity program, making it available to all emergency communications districts (ECDs) in 2020, the first of its kind in Tennessee.

• When completed, the cybersecurity assessment will provide the PSAPs with an understanding of their baseline status and increased awareness of vulnerabilities.

• The project is partly funded by the 911 Grant Program jointly provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) in 2019. 

     

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon was an exclusive event featuring well over two hundred representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and top industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines, and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come. (Continued)

 

View Part 1 Winners A – Da                    View Part 2 Winners De – M   

View Part 3 Winners NE – Sl                   View Part 4 Winners So – Z  

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