Bernards Township Gets $835K For Police Radio Upgrades

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township will receive $835,000 in federal funding to upgrade communications equipment for its police department.

Congressman Tom Kean Jr. presented a check to the Township on Tuesday.

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The money was secured through the Community Project Funding process and is intended to replace the department's current radios, which can operate on only one frequency.

The funding will be used to purchase 89 tri-band radios for officers and front-line police vehicles.

The township said the multi-frequency radios are expected to streamline coordination and strengthen emergency response by improving direct radio contact and communication during deployments.

"The $835,000 that I secured for Bernards Township will enable first responders to have the modern tools they need to effectively protect and serve the community,' Kean said. "These communications upgrades, made possible by this federal funding, will provide direct radio contact and allow police to communicate more effectively and facilitate deployment, keeping our communities safer."

Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said the funding supports a township priority while reducing pressure on local taxpayers.

"Public Safety is among our priorities. We are very grateful to Congressman Tom Kean Jr. for advocating federal funding on our behalf to secure 89 tri-band radios for our officers and front-line police vehicles," McCarthy said. "We are very grateful for the funding that enables the Township to provide critical resources for our Police Department without placing the full burden on local property taxpayers."

Police Chief Timothy King said dependable communications are tied closely to officer safety and emergency response.

"We are sincerely grateful to Congressman Tom Kean for his leadership and steadfast support in securing this critical funding for our police radio upgrade," King said. "Reliable radio communications are essential to officer safety and effective emergency response, and this investment will provide our officers with the technology they need to better serve and protect our community. We truly appreciate the Congressman's commitment to public safety and to the residents of Bernards Township."

Committeewoman Jennifer Asay said Kean's office introduced the township to the funding program in January 2024, and she said Bernards Township would not have applied for its first federal grant without that guidance.

Committeeman Andrew McNally also said the township was grateful for the federal support tied to the radio upgrades.

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