iCERT: 20 Years of Innovation in Emergency Response, Eyeing the Future

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 18, 2025) – The Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT), founded in 2005 as the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance, is celebrating 20 years of driving innovation in emergency response. Created by three prominent business leaders with a vision to unite companies serving the emergency response sector, the organization was founded on a shared commitment to drive innovation through collaboration with others in the industry and the broader public safety community. Today, we reaffirm our strong commitment to advancing 9-1-1 services, while also setting a new course to address the emerging needs of public safety communications.

“iCERT remains committed to the nationwide deployment of advanced, interoperable, and secure Next Generation 9-1-1 systems,” said iCERT Chairman Eric Hagerson of T-Mobile. “However, looking ahead, we will also focus on other technologies that will shape the future of public safety communications and emergency response, such as mission-critical communications for first responders, cybersecurity, and Geographic Information Systems.”

One area of special interest to iCERT and its members is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recognizing that over 90% of business leaders see AI as critical to their success, iCERT believes the technology will revolutionize emergency response by boosting efficiency and improving data analysis. iCERT is developing a program to address how AI can benefit emergency responses services, while also ensuring responsible implementation. The program will be based on a foundation of collaboration with the public safety community, and iCERT hopes to actively engage key public safety organizations in the effort.

“iCERT will continue its long tradition of collaboration with our industry colleagues, the broader public safety community, and with policymakers at all levels,” stressed iCERT Vice Chairman James Potter of L3Harris. “At iCERT, we believe we are most effective when we Empower Public Safety, Together."

Stay tuned for more news on this important program and other ways iCERT will drive further innovation in emergency response, enhancing community safety and national security.