Grant for Rockland's 911 and Emergency Dispatching

$10 million in Public Safety Answering Points operations grants have been awarded to municipalities across New York State.

The money includes $227,942 for Rockland County.

The funding, administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, will support all 57 counties and the City of New York in improving 9-1-1 response and emergency dispatching.

“It is important that all New Yorkers can get the help they need quickly and easily in any type of emergency situation,” DHSES Commissioner John P. Melville said in a prepared statement.. “These grants will help counties invest in their emergency communications infrastructure and give local residents quality service and peace of mind that help will come quickly when they need it.”

The grant not only helps county operators offset their day-to-day expenses, but can also foster upgrades in call-taking and dispatching technology and investing in new services such as text messaging, data communication and improved geo-location for emergency response. Funding is non-competitive and formula-based. Monies are distributed among participating counties based on statistics reflective of a county’s operational scope, demographic factors, and emergency services call metrics. By participating in the program, counties affirm their adherence to state and national guidelines for emergency communications.