Yates County is receiving new state funding to improve emergency communications for first responders. The $183,000 awarded will be used to upgrade the county’s backup generator at a radio tower used by first responders.
17 counties, including Yates, were included in the $38 million awarded through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant program, which supports local governments’ efforts to build and repair radio towers that allow them to communicate with other emergency responders during disasters and emergencies. Installing and maintaining these towers ensures that lines of communication continue to be clearly accessible in situations when they are needed the most.
“Saving a life can come down to one call, and our first responders need to have the most reliable emergency communications systems to help their fellow New Yorkers during their most critical moments,” Governor Hochul said. “Investing in emergency response to enhance first responder readiness is a matter of life and death — I remain committed to prioritizing public safety throughout our state.”
The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services administered the funding.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “These awards play a critical role in supporting our local responders by modernizing existing emergency communications systems and promoting further interoperability between our counties and their partners. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for making public safety a priority and fostering efforts to strengthen our emergency communications systems in every way possible.”
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