WASHINGTON, D.C., (December 19, 2023) – The Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI), a broad-based coalition of public-safety, critical infrastructure industry (CII), and telecommunications entities, announced today that two more public-safety associations, the California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA) and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), have joined the coalition. This expansion further strengthens the coalition’s commitment to safeguarding vital public-safety resources and advocating for local control of essential communication spectrum.

The CSSA represents California’s 58 elected sheriffs, emphasizing community safety and law enforcement excellence. NAWLEE, a leading national organization, promotes the interests of women executives within law enforcement agencies, advocating for equity and advancements in the field.

Chief Kenneth Corey, Chair of CERCI, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the California State Sheriffs’ Association and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives as members of CERCI. Their expertise and dedication to public safety further strengthen our coalition’s ability to ensure local agencies retain control over critical communication resources.”

Kym Craven, Executive Director of NAWLEE, offered: “NAWLEE has joined CERCI to advocate for continued local control over 4.9. NAWLEE is committed to protecting and advancing public-safety resources. NAWLEE understands the importance of collaboration and advocating for equitable access to vital communication spectrum to serve our public-safety mission.“

Carmen Green, Executive Director of CSSA, added: “The California State Sheriffs’ Association is proud to collaborate with CERCI in preserving local control of public-safety resources. Together, we aim to uphold the highest standards in law enforcement while ensuring agencies have the necessary tools to serve and protect their communities.“

For more information about the CERCI and its efforts, please visit responsecoalition.com.

CONTACT: Jo Maney (jmaney@bgrpr.com)

ABOUT THE COALITION FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI) is committed to maintaining local control of vital 4.9 GHz public-safety spectrum and working with the FCC to promote innovative usage of the band including non-interfering critical infrastructure uses. The founding members of the CERCI are Competitive Carriers Association, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs Association, T-Mobile, Verizon, and UScellular. Additional members include the California State Sheriffs’ Association and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.