The Department of Homeland Security is creating an online social network called First Responder Communities of Practice to allow the nation's 2.5 million first responders to connect and share information. The network was designed based on Booz Allen Hamilton's internal social network. It allows first responders to collaborate through tools like wikis, blogs, and discussion boards. The network currently has around 600 users from 34 states sharing "sensitive but unclassified" information. The article outlines best practices for implementing a successful social media initiative, including analyzing needs, securing leadership support, and identifying champions to promote adoption.