AT&T* joined local first responders, public safety officials and community leaders in Hagerstown to highlight how FirstNet®, Built with AT&T – the only network built with and for America’s first responders – is helping improve and enhance public safety in Washington County.    

AT&T announced a new cell site during a special event that featured federal and county officials; local public safety personnel; business leaders; and representatives from AT&T. The Long Meadow Volunteer Fire Company, which is near the new site, is among several Washington County public safety entities that subscribe to FirstNet.

"We are proud to announce that Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Co. is now a subscriber to FirstNet, the nationwide, high-speed network built specifically for first responders and public safety organizations,” said Rob Flint, president, Long Meadow Volunteer Fire Company. “This partnership ensures that our team will have access to reliable and prioritized communication in critical moments, enabling us to deliver on our commitment to keeping our community safe and connected.”

This new site in Hagerstown is also part of AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority’s (FirstNet Authority) 10-year, $8+ billion investment commitment into the FirstNet network, which includes launching 1,000 new cell sites to further expand the reach of public safety’s dedicated Band 14 spectrum across the country by the end of 2025. Band 14 – also known as public safety’s VIP lane – is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. Now, Hagerstown first responders have access to the dedicated connectivity they require to protect and serve their community.

FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. FirstNet enables public safety subscribers to communicate with one another easily and quickly during everyday situations, big events and emergencies. 

“With FirstNet, we make public safety’s mission the priority,” said Katie McEvoy, regional director, AT&T External Affairs in Maryland. “When agencies on FirstNet respond to incidents – whether it’s a natural or man-made disaster – we’re there to help coordinate their needs and deliver for the men and women our communities count on the most.”

FirstNet was shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority – an independent agency within the federal government. 

“The FirstNet Authority is expanding the network based on public safety's evolving needs and operations,” said Lori Stone, senior public safety advisor, FirstNet Authority. “Now, we are delivering on that promise for first responders in Washington County. This site will enhance coverage and help public safety serve the community.”

The FirstNet network is providing first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits such as always-on priority and preemption, and nationwide, high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law enforcement and other public safety entities save lives and protect their communities.

“This new site is great news for our first responders and those who keep our communities safe,” said Paul Frey, resident and CEO of the Washington County Chamber. “And, this site benefits our members, too. They rely on their smartphones and other devices to conduct business at the office, in the store, and on the go.  We’re glad AT&T is investing here.”

With more than 130 communities in Maryland where first responders and public safety agencies rely on FirstNet, the service is critical to public safety across the state. Significant investments have also recently been made in Maryland to improve and enhance connectivity for first responders subscribed to FirstNet. Today, more than 1,000 wireless sites across the state have Band 14. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T wireless customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity.