For first responders on the job, minutes — even seconds — matter. And in those moments, communication is key. It not only helps protect emergency responders, but it enhances public safety and improves outcomes.

That’s why it is essential that our state and nation’s public safety agencies have access to a dedicated, reliable and state-of-the-art communications network.

The tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001, brought to light the serious deficiencies with communication systems used by our nation’s first responders at the time. As brave police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency responders rushed in to assist, they struggled to communicate with each other, both because of the different systems they were using and the fact that traditional phone lines were quickly overwhelmed by call traffic from everyday people trying to get in touch with loved ones. These frustrating communications breakdowns unfortunately hindered response efforts and put the lives of responders at even greater risk.

Following this tragic experience, the public safety community came together to advocate for a single nationwide network allowing all public safety agencies to communicate, and FirstNet was born. Established by Congress in 2012 and deployed in 2017, FirstNet solves the communications issues emergency responders once faced, full stop. It is a first-of-its-kind network that is solely for public safety use, prioritizing voice calls and data traffic of first responders, eliminating gaps in coverage and ensuring streamlined communication between all agencies.

By separating public safety traffic from the rest, the calls, texts and data of first responders can be put in the fast lane, ensuring that time-sensitive communications are delivered immediately and without fail. During emergencies and disasters, this can help save lives, reduce response times and allow first responders to work better together.

FirstNet isn’t only good in theory — in the years since its launch, the network has demonstrated that it works as intended time and time again. In our state, it has proven to be a crucial tool that assists first responders in the aftermath of hurricanes.

Last year, following the catastrophic Hurricane Ian that hit Southwest Florida, some communications networks were down, but public safety agencies in Fort Myers were able to make the switch to FirstNet to reestablish a reliable connection that allowed them to continue their important rescue and recovery work unimpeded.

As another hurricane season approaches, it is a reminder to us all how important it is to ensure that this dedicated network remains available to first responders.

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Recognizing the crucial role this network plays in helping to keep communities safe, earlier this year, the federal Government Accountability Office urged Congress to reauthorize FirstNet to ensure network continuity. I echo this call and encourage our congressional leaders to take action now, so this critical asset remains available to fire departments and other public safety organizations across Florida and the nation.

FirstNet has proven to be an invaluable resource for the public safety community who simply cannot afford to have calls fail or text messages not delivered. You likely have experienced this type of service interruption yourself while at a large event, such as a football game or concert, when a text message will not go through and how frustrating that can be — but when it comes to public safety communications, lives are on the line.

FirstNet ensures first responders can reach whoever they need, whenever they need and however they need. Congress should work to reauthorize FirstNet now to ensure it remains available long term.

Mike Prendergast is the sheriff of Citrus County.