New Grant Will Help Enhance Police Communications During Emergencies On East End

SOUTHOLD, NY — With memories of Super Storm Sandy still all too real in the minds of police and first responders, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini held a press conference in Southold Wednesday to announce funding that will enhance communications among East End police departments during times of crisis.

According to Bellone, $1.1 million was secured through a New York State interoperable communications grant that will further enhance emergency communications via the creation of two communications sites — one in Greenport and one in Southampton.

A third site is being considered in Montauk, officials said.

The new sites will help to improve communications between East End police, fire departments and EMS agencies during emergencies and planned events.

"This is a great day," Bellone said, thanking all involved including Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner John Jordan, FRES Chief of Communications Greg Miniutti, and all the East End town and village police chiefs who were in attendance, as well as East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell.

Sini and Bellone both thanked New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

"This is a good day for public safety," Sini said. "It's a good day for collaboration. This is mission critical for law enforcement agencies in Suffolk County, being able to have consistent, uninterrupted communication. . .absolutely crucial in times of manmade or natural disasters."

The grant, which is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, will further advances made due to a $6 million dollar interoperable communications grant received in 2013, Sini said.

The improvements come at no cost to taxpayers, Sini said.

The enhanced service will improve communications between police and emergency services via radios during storms and other events across the East End.

Infrastructure that's already in place, such as poles, will be used, Sini said.

Krupski said he's been working for years with Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming on the issue. "This is a great day for all of us," he said. The new technology, he added, "makes sure everyone is on the same page." In times of crisis, Krupski added, "minutes and seconds count."

The sites are in the design stage right now, with work expected to commence in the fall; all work must be completed in 2018 under the terms of the grant.

Discussions will continue regarding the potential Montauk site, Sini said.

Photos, video by Lisa Finn.