NY receives grant for emergency interoperable communications

By Kathy Welsh
Hudson Valley News Network

CARMEL, N.Y. — County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced that New York State has awarded Putnam County $3.5 million to enhance its vital emergency communications systems under the fourth round of the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) program.

The SICG is a competitive grant program seeking to establish best practices for interoperability within and between counties and regions, and provides for measurable outcomes and plans for long-range sustainability.  Putnam was one of 17 counties statewide to receive a grant to fund projects involving infrastructure, equipment and technology upgrades that serve important roles in localities’ emergency response.

“Putnam County is a county made up of career and volunteer first responders – law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical service workers,” said Odell.  “It is important that we provide our first responders with the ability to communicate faster and respond sooner.  This grant will help us increase the reliability, efficiency and interoperability of our existing communication system.”

Read full story: Putnam Awarded $3.5 Mil for First Responders Communications Improvements