Washington, D.C., November 8, 2011 — The Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT) today announced that Verizon, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, has become the Industry Council’s newest member.

“With an extensive history of working alongside public safety agencies and commercial partners to ensure that our nation’s citizens, residents and visitors have dependable access to emergency calling — and that our public safety professionals can communicate effectively — including Verizon in the Industry Council will enhance our perspective as we address critical concerns in emergency communications and response,” offered George Rice, the Industry Council’s Executive Director.

“It is crucial that industry leaders establish and maintain relationships where key emergency communications issues can be discussed,” noted Don Brittingham, Verizon’s Vice President for National Security and Public Safety Policy. “ Our company has joined this growing association because it offers an outstanding forum for collaboration and research that will lead to improved public safety communications and emergency response.”

Verizon is an industry leader in working with public safety to address emergency communications issues including taking a leadership role in implementing enhanced 911 capabilities, promoting efforts to make advanced emergency alert capabilities available to wireless users, and supporting efforts to build a nationwide public safety broadband network. Verizon’s strong reputation for technology leadership and network reliability also align well with the Industry Council’s broader mission to first responders and the public at large.

“Industry executives provide unique perspectives on using technology to advance public safety,” said iCERT Chairman, Kevin Murray, President and CEO of Mission Critical Partners. “We are very pleased that Verizon has joined the Industry Council and we look forward to their participation in our important dialogue on emergency communications.”