FCC names David Turetsky as public safety chief

{mosads}He will succeed Jamie Barnett, a retired U.S. Navy admiral who had run the Public Safety Bureau since 2009.

Barnett helped to push Congress to pass legislation authorizing a nationwide 4G network for first-responders earlier this year. The network, which will allow first-responders from different agencies to communicate with one another during emergencies, was one of the last outstanding recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report.

Turetsky will lead the FCC’s efforts to set up the network, which will take years to complete.

The Public Safety Bureau is also involved in cybersecurity, disaster preparedness and upgrading 911 call centers to accept emergency text messages.

Turetsky will take his post next week. David Furth, who has been serving as interim bureau chief since Barnett stepped down last month, will return to his role as deputy bureau chief.

In a statement, Genachowski praised Turetsky for his “stellar talent and broad experience in and out of government.”

Barnett called Turetsky an “excellent choice.”