Delco Seeking Millions To Bolster First Responder Communications

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Effective and reliable communications are integral for first responders when serving their communities and in Delaware County officials are looking to upgrade the emergency communications system.

The county is requesting grant funding from the state that will support a more than $40 million project to rehabilitate and modernize its 911 Emergency Communications System.

Official are seeking a $6 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grant.

The project includes the renovation or relocation of more than 24 sites across the county, changing radio frequencies, and replacing subscriber radios.

"The current 911 emergency communications system has serious service and security deficiencies and is long overdue for modernization," said Tim Boyce, Director of Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services. "First responders throughout the county and members of Delaware County Emergency Services have expressed concerns about the current radio system for several years, citing examples that have put first responders and the community in danger."

First responders, members of the business community, and residents are invited to send a letter in support of the county’s application. You can access a template letter online here.

This grant will fund part of a comprehensive public safety project that will:

• enable radio signals to consistently reach first responders and emergency services providers;
• secure new dedicated and secure public safety radio channels;
• connect first responders in real-time with local businesses, hospitals, schools, and universities to ensure they have direct access during a disaster;
• and support emergency dispatchers, law enforcement officers and the paid and volunteer first responders who protect the community.

In addition to giving first responders a better communications system, upgrading it will generate more than 27,000 hours of work and stimulate significant economic impact, officials said.