Middlesex County Adds Edison To Its Emergency Radio System

EDISON, NJ — The township was added to Middlesex County’s emergency radio system, ensuring greater efficiency in communicating emergency situations, the county announced.

This county-wide service allows the township millions of dollars each year while making sure all emergencies are communicated efficiently. Through this arrangement, Edison will have access to a state-of-the-art radio system that enables the township to maintain communications with county agencies and other municipalities on this network.

Edison’s participation in the regional radio system was approved by the Council in September 2021 and by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners in November 2021. The Edison Police and Edison Fire Department will be using the regional radio system.

“I am very pleased for the new radio system and the shared partnership with Middlesex County to ensure the efficient and effective communications for the police department, as the safety of my officers and the community as a whole is of paramount concern,” said Chief Thomas Bryan, Edison Police Department Swat Commander. “The County’s representatives, from their Administrator on down, were extremely open to working with the Township to provide Edison with the very best in Public Safety Radio Communications.”

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Middlesex County invested $9 million dollars in Capital Improvement Funds to upgrade its emergency radio system. These upgrade provides seamless interoperability with all county agencies and municipal police, fire, and emergency medical services.

Municipalities participating in the regional radio system save millions in infrastructure improvements and ensure all systems meet new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates.

The county has invested $5 million dollars toward enhancing the infrastructure. It also covers the cost of maintenance, yielding 1.35 million in savings for Edison over the next 15 years.

“When Superstorm Sandy hit the tri-state area 10 years ago, first responders had difficulty communicating with their counterparts in other municipalities due to incompatible radio systems,” Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios said in a statement.

“The County’s state-of-the-art regional radio system directly addresses this need, making it possible for first responders from different municipalities to easily communicate with and support one another during emergencies – and to maintain communication with County agencies. As with any shared service, it will also save participating municipalities millions of dollars each year. This is truly a win-win situation for all involved.”

Municipalities currently using the County’s shared radio system include Highland Park, Jamesburg, Middlesex, Milltown, Monroe, North Brunswick, South Amboy, South Plainfield, South Brunswick, and Sayreville. Dunellen and Metuchen have signed on to join the County’s radio network.