The FirstNet Authority honors public safety leaders who have made significant contributions to public safety broadband communications.
The FirstNet Authority has two public safety awards.
Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award
The prestigious Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award honors an individual who has displayed remarkable leadership or made significant contributions in the field of public safety broadband communications. Established in 2017, the award recognizes the spirit of service, commitment, and dedication that is a proud tradition among public safety.
The award was created in honor of Chief Harlin R. McEwen for his extraordinary expertise, experience, and leadership as the founding Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) Chair.
About Chief Harlin McEwen
Any sworn or civilian member of public safety (fire service, law enforcement, EMS, emergency management, and 911/emergency communications) is eligible for this award.
Patriot Award
Established in 2023, the Patriot Award recognizes individual first responders or public safety agencies that use FirstNet to make their communities safer. Recipients of the award are considered from across public safety disciplines — fire service, law enforcement, EMS, emergency management, and 911/emergency communications. The Patriot Award celebrates and recognizes trailblazers who save lives and protect communities using public safety broadband.
Any sworn member or agency of public safety (fire service, law enforcement, EMS, emergency management, and 911/emergency communications) is eligible for this award.
Nomination Process
The FirstNet Authority will determine the winner of the awards on an as-warranted basis.