Staff Reports | Community Updates
Mesa Vice Mayor Scott Somers has been appointed to the First Responder Network Authority Public Safety Advisory Committee, a national body that advises on the operation and future development of the country’s public safety broadband network.
In the role, Vice Mayor Somers will help advise on policies and priorities to ensure first responders nationwide, including those serving Mesa, have access to secure and reliable communications technology, according to a press release.
“Effective communication is the lifeblood of emergency response,” Vice Mayor Somers said. “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,” Mr. Somers said.
Vice Mayor Somers is a retired firefighter and paramedic and previously served with FEMA’s Arizona Task Force One. He has also served as chair of the National League of Cities Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee and currently chairs the City of Mesa’s Public Safety Committee. In that role, he has supported public safety modernization efforts, including upgrades to the city’s 800 MHz radio system and the implementation of Next Generation 9‑1‑1 technology.
Mayor Mark Freeman said the appointment reflects the city’s expertise in public safety leadership.
“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,” Mayor Mark Freeman said. “His leadership will strengthen public safety agencies nationwide,” Mr. Freeman said.
As a member of the advisory committee, Mr. Somers will work with representatives from public safety disciplines nationwide to advise on network enhancements, coverage priorities and the integration of emerging technologies to support emergency response operations.
Editor’s Note: This information was first reported by John Zielonka at the city of Mesa
