Delco Gets $4.6 Million To Boost Aging 911 System

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Local and state officials last week announced several million dollars of funding that will be spent upgrading the county's aging 911 system.

Delaware County Council, Senator Tim Kearney, State Rep. Leanne Krueger,Director of Delaware County Emergency Services Tim Boyce, and other elected officials announced $4.6 million in funding to improve the County’s aging 911 system.

Through bipartisan and bicameral efforts, elected officials helped secure grant funding to benefit more than 560,000 Pennsylvanians and assist Delaware County’s first responders.

Delaware County Council President Elaine Schaefer said in 2020 alone, the county's dispatchers got nearly 600,000 calls.

"They respond day and night, around the clock, and in all types of conditions and weather," she said.

While Schaefer touted the dedicated staff at the 911 center, she said the facilities itself are not up to par.

"It does however have serious infrastructure, technology, and security deficiencies, and it is overdue for modernization," she said.

The project will redevelop existing sites and add additional sites to ensure no loss of communication.

It includes 24 tower upgrades, shelter structures, ice bridge, grounding, electric, HVAC, core work additions, and 911 center equipment that will enable first responders to communicate effectively in emergency situations with citizens and first responders, as well as with surrounding counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Boyce called Friday's announcement a tremendous day.

"Every day on the streets, our first responders serve each other, they come together," he said. "Today we're going to get some of those dollars we need desperately for the system."

Boyce thanked firefighters, EMS, police, the 911 center workers and union members, and elected officials for their dedication to keeping Delaware County safe.