The Buzz About APCO’s Public Safety Apps Site
On April 23, 2013, APCO International sent a press release announcing the launch of the Application Community – “AppComm” – a website dedicated to public safety and emergency response apps for use by the general public, app developers, and first responders.
Since the announcement, APCO has received an overwhelming response from thought leaders across the country that have expressed the need for such a website and the positive impact AppComm will make in the role of public safety.
Here is what our Executive Committee has to say:
“APCO members are especially qualified to evaluate existing apps and drive development of new apps that most effectively aid public safety and emergency response,” said APCO President Terry Hall. “I encourage APCO members and other public safety professionals to actively use AppComm, because they will be the best asset in making this a success and attracting innovation in public safety communications technology.”
“With its unique expertise in public safety communications, APCO is determined to play a major leadership role in supporting the development of a diverse, practitioner-driven public safety app ecosystem fostered through the collaborative efforts of public safety professionals and app developers,” said APCO 1st Vice President Gigi Smith. “APCO designed AppComm to facilitate this collaboration by serving as the single, trusted site to review, comment, and rate public safety apps, as well as the best forum to submit ideas for new ones. These features in turn will support our standards development efforts and allow us to foster innovation driven by public safety’s needs.”
John Wright, APCO’s 2nd Vice President, added “the main value of AppComm will come from the active participation of APCO members and other public safety professionals who can best assess the value and effectiveness of apps with an understanding of the mission to preserve the safety of life and property. We also invite the technology community – ranging from the world’s largest technology companies to the dorm room, classroom, or garage – to use AppComm as a tool, and work with APCO and other major stakeholders including FirstNet, to focus on creating a new wave of app innovation for public safety and emergency response.”
“This is a perfect way for APCO to build upon the success we achieved with the D Block legislation,” said Immediate Past President Gregg Riddle. “The new law’s provisions on the FirstNet nationwide public safety broadband network and Next Generation 9-1-1 services are triggering a new wave of advanced public safety communication technology. In this regard, APCO is continuing its leadership role by creating AppComm to foster app development.”
Here is what others have to say:
From U.S. Representative Anna G. Eshoo, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Committee on Energy and Commerce: “I welcome the launch of AppComm, the nation’s first practitioner-driven public safety app development community where first responders and the public can work in collaboration. AppComm will help leverage the expertise of Silicon Valley as we continue to develop mobile apps that empower our first responders with 21st century technology to save lives.”
From U.S. Representative Doris O. Matsui, a member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology: “I am a strong supporter of FirstNet and I am pleased to see that innovation is beginning to evolve and transpire thanks to the spectrum law. America’s innovators need certainty and the law provides a path to begin developing next generation technologies and applications to improve public safety throughout the country. I’m glad to see that APCO is creating a site for spurring discussion and development of mobile public safety apps that will benefit not only first responders, but all Americans, through innovative features and real time data and information.”
From Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner, U.S. Federal Communications Commission: “For too long our nation’s public safety officials have been limited to using radios that are unable to perform some of the basic functions most of us expect on the phones we carry in our pockets. But now APCO’s Application Community, which is inspired by the work of the First Responder Network Authority, is providing a first glimpse at the power a nationwide wireless broadband network can deliver to our first responders.”
From Richard Price, retired Fire Chief for the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District and President of the PulsePoint Foundation: “As a retired Fire Chief and developer of PulsePoint I am witnessing first-hand the transformational power of public safety apps. I applaud APCO for the timely launch of AppComm and encourage my colleagues to explore this valuable new industry resource and to actively contribute content.”
From Chris Russo, Deputy Fire Chief of Hull, Massachusetts, and Founder and Executive Vice President, Elerts Corporation: “Recent events impacting public safety have demonstrated the incredible power of mobile applications, advanced technologies and social media. It is important as public safety professionals that we bring strong solutions to the market that will enhance the safety of our first responders and allow for community-sourced information to be vetted and shared when appropriate. By serving as a central location for fostering development of public safety apps, AppComm will certainly lead to better ways to protect the public at large.”
From Peters Suh, FirstNet Consultant: “FirstNet is dedicated to getting reliable public safety applications into the hands of first responders as fast as possible. We are delighted to see APCO launch this website.”
From Des Bahr, CEO of APCO Australasia: “We strongly support the AppComm initiative and we are excited about what it will mean for the Australia and New Zealand community and public safety communications and information technology sector. AppComm will assist in creating a new wave of app innovation for public safety and emergency response.”