MesaNow
City of Mesa News
City of Mesa News
Vice Mayor Scott Somers has been appointed to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), a national body that advises on the operation and future development of the country's public safety broadband network.
In this role, Vice Mayor Somers will help guide decisions that ensure first responders nationwide - including those serving Mesa - have access to reliable, secure and advanced communications technology. The PSAC plays a critical role in advising the FirstNet Authority as it continues to advance the only high-speed, wireless broadband network dedicated exclusively to public safety.
"Effective communication is the lifeblood of emergency response," said Vice Mayor Scott Somers. "Having spent years in the field, I know that even a few seconds of delay or a dropped signal can be the difference between life and death. I am honored to join the FirstNet Public Safety Advisory Committee to ensure our police, fire and EMS personnel have the reliable, cutting-edge tools they need to protect our communities safely and efficiently."
Somers brings a rare combination of frontline experience and policy leadership to the committee. A retired firefighter and paramedic, he has served as a member of FEMA's Arizona Task Force One and past Chair of the National League of Cities Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee. He currently chairs the City of Mesa's Public Safety Committee, where he has championed modernization efforts including upgrades to the City's 800 MHz radio systems and the implementation of Next-Gen 9-1-1 technologies.
Mayor Mark Freeman praised the appointment, calling it a benefit not only to Mesa but to public safety agencies nationwide.
"Vice Mayor Somers' deep understanding of both the technical requirements and the human realities of emergency response makes him an invaluable asset to this national effort," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "His leadership will strengthen public safety agencies nationwide."
As a member of the committee, Somers will collaborate with representatives from all public safety disciplines to advise on network enhancements, coverage priorities and the integration of emerging technologies like AI and advanced data analytics to better support responder workflows.