William Bratton, Former Commissioner of the NYPD, BPD, and the former Chief of the LAPD, along with Former FDNY Commissioner Sal Cassano, Former Philadelphia and D.C. Chief Chuck Ramsey, and Former Head of the DEA Karen Tandy, Former Commissioner of NYS DHSES Jerome Hauer, and Edward Plaugher, Former Fire Chief for Arlington County Virginia, and Former Deputy Fire Chief for Fairfax County Virginia, today released a letter regarding the recent findings by the Inspector General Audit on the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), for identifying, developing, and selecting reinvestment opportunities to construct, maintain, operate, and improve the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN).
As former Homeland Security Commissioners, law enforcement officers, and fire service officials, these public safety professionals understand the urgency for first responders to access the most advanced and reliable technologies, services, and equipment to perform their mission, perhaps as few others may.
Investment in these critical resources is essential to ensure the safety of First Responders and the communities they serve.
That’s why they have joined together to raise their collective voice over their concerns by the recent findings of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) regarding the operations of FirstNet.
The IG report raises serious doubts about whether FirstNet fully meets its legal obligations and its congressional mandate to serve First Responders.
The IG found that FirstNet could not demonstrate that it was making the most appropriate or efficient use of billions of dollars to reduce gaps in network performance – or adequately meet First Responders’ priorities.
Instead of conducting a First Responder “needs analysis,” FirstNet simply “relied on information from AT&T (its contractor), that appeared to influence the process of identifying and selecting reinvestment opportunities.”
The report highlights the $6.5 billion of federal funding that has already been provided to AT&T – and notes that it is requisite for FirstNet to “ensure future multibillion-dollar reinvestments are supported and justified and respect public safety priorities,” not just the priorities of AT&T’.
The report’s assessment that these decisions appear to be influenced by FirstNet’s contractor, AT&T, is alarming, according to Commissioner Bratton and the letter’s cosigners.
Furthermore, the report underscores why the aforementioned public safety experts publicly expressed their concerns to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in October 2022, about the degree of control which FirstNet has abdicated and transferred to AT&T.
These nationally recognized and widely-respected professionals urged the FCC to grant greater access to FirstNet’s contract with AT&T – and to fully examine its operations, which echoed calls by the National Sheriffs Association (NSA) and the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) for greater oversight and transparency.
The OIG’s conclusions underline why Commissioner Bratton and the others, believe the FCC needs to establish clear requirements for FirstNet to satisfy – before moving forward to renew its license.
FirstNet must operate in accordance with its Congressional mandate, and without undue influence from commercial interests, explains Commissioner Bratton and the others.
“Our nation’s first responders deserve nothing less.”
Each of the following legendary public servants also serves on Verizon’s First Responder Advisory Council.
William Bratton, one of the world’s most respected and trusted experts on risk and security issues, is the Former Police Commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), and Boston Police Department (BPD), and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Commissioner Bratton was selected as the ‘2019 ‘ASTORS’ Person of the Year’ in American Security Today’s 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards, the preeminent annual U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, for his Lifetime of Dedication and Extraordinary Leadership in Homeland Security and Public Safety.
Commissioner Bratton currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Teneo Risk, which was recognized for Excellence in Public Safety and Community Resilience in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program featuring the 2022 keynote address by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, and Chair of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).
Karen P. Tandy was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate as the first female to head the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which was also honored in the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program for Excellence in Homeland Security.
Before the DEA, Administrator Tandy led the nationwide Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is comprised of thousands of state and federal U.S. prosecutors and law enforcement agents.
In 2019, Administrator Tandy was elected to serve as Chairwoman for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) Board, and, in 2020, she was appointed to the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking.
Administrator Tandy currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), and is the Founder and Principal of KPT Consulting, LLC.
Jerome M. “Jerry” Hauer is the former Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYS DHSES), which was recognized with Multiple ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards in the 2019 Awards Program, and the former Commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYCEM).
During 9/11, and throughout the U.S. anthrax crisis, Commissioner Hauer served as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office of Public Health Preparedness (PHEP), as well as a Senior Advisor to the Secretary for National Security and Emergency Management at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Commissioner Hauer is currently a Senior Advisor at Teneo Risk.
Salvatore Cassano is the former Fire Commissioner at the Fire Department of the City of New York (NYFD) and served as an operations officer during 9/11.
Commissioner Cassano is currently the Senior Managing Director of Consulting and Lobbying Groups for Pitta Bishop & Del Giono.
Charles H. Ramsey served as Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), District of Columbia during 9/11.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was also recognized for Excellence in Public Safety in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, where TSA Administrator David Pekoske provided the keynote address for the ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City.
Chief Ramsey also previously served as the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) and is currently a Public Safety Advisor for the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
And finally, Chief Ed Plaugher, as Chief of the Arlington Fire Department, coordinated Arlington County’s response to the 9/11 terror attacks.
He is also the retired Assistant Executive Director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and retired Director of the IAFC’s National Programs and Consulting Services.
Chief Plaugher also served as deputy fire chief of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department and retired chief of the Arlington County Fire Department in Virginia. He was also Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Fire Chiefs Terrorism Committee, where he directed regional terrorism preparedness efforts for the National Capital Region.
Learn More…
TENEO Risk Recognized in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
TENEO Risk Advisory
Excellence in Public Safety & Community Resilience
-
In today’s complex operating environment, organizations are charged with mitigating an array of interdisciplinary and intersecting risks across the enterprise, whether terrorism, pandemic, physical security risk, geopolitical risk, or cyber threat.
-
The complexity of this risk landscape demands new mitigation strategies and tactics that transcend traditional security processes.
-
Led by former NYPD and LAPD Police Commissioner, and current Vice Chairman of the Secretary of Homeland Security’s Advisory Council, Bill Bratton, TENEO Risk Advisory’s leading security and political risk consultants have the expertise and backgrounds acquired from the world’s most respected corporate, intelligence, public safety, public health, and technology organizations.
(Meet Trident, Teneo Risk’s online and interactive dashboard environment combines real-time data feeds and analytics, built to expand your strategic analysis on current and future security risk issues. Courtesy of TENEO and YouTube.)
Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.
These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.
Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.
The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.
This year’s exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and 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.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force, to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program emphasized the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders.
The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.
The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.
AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke, as always, about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.
FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.
Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.
As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is in the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer and sworn and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors.
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!
We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police, as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).
The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.
Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.
ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:
Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Be On the LookOut for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It will serve as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services’ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It will also include featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
Subscribe to the AST Daily News Alert Here.
Learn More…
2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners & 9/11 Special Guests Honored (Wins A-D)
