ERIE, Pa. – The Erie County Department of Public Safety will launch the final phase of the county’s Next Generation Public Safety Radio System on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
The City of Erie Fire Department and EmergyCare will transition at 8 a.m. Tuesday, followed by Millcreek Township Fire and Millcreek Paramedics on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Erie County EMS and Fire on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The final phase in the transition of all public safety entities to the Next Generation Public Safety Radio System places first responders on a common (RF) frequency, which ensures interoperable communications, on demand between law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel.
The City of Erie Police Department, Millcreek Township Police Department and all other Erie County police departments experienced seamless transitions to the new system Sept. 24-26.
“Post-September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Commission Report cites the lack of interoperable communications amongst first responders at ground zero led to radio transmissions (i.e., evacuation orders) not being heard by first responders,” Erie County Department of Public Safety Director John Grappy said. “The $26.5 million investment made by Erie County government, led by County Executive Dahlkemper, provides reliable, interoperable communications amongst first responders throughout the county. This ultimately saves the lives of our first responders, citizens and visitors of Erie County.”
In an effort to maintain efficiency and ongoing education with equipment and operational procedures, the Department of Public Safety is conducting train-the-trainer refresher sessions, scheduled for Oct. 29-30. A command staff member and training officer from every user agency is expected to attend.
“I continue to be proud and grateful to Erie County Department of Public Safety and all involved with the successful launch of this very important radio system,” Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper said. “Our community should also be proud of the steps taken to provide the best protection for those who are out there protecting our lives every day.”
