County Secures $990,761 AFG Grant for Portable Radios for Fire/Rescue
Published on August 13, 2024
Prince Edward County— In a significant boost to public safety, Prince Edward County has been awarded a substantial Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The $990,761 grant will be allocated towards the acquisition of state-of-the-art portable radios for all fire and emergency medical services agencies.
This critical funding underscores the commitment of both federal and local agencies to enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring the safety of our first responders. The new portable radios will replace outdated equipment, providing our Fire and EMS personnel with advanced communication tools that are essential for efficient coordination and response during emergencies.
“This grant represents a major step forward in our efforts to equip our fire and rescue personnel with the best technology available,” said Douglas P. Stanley, County Administrator. “With these new portable radios, our responders will be better equipped to communicate effectively in the most challenging situations, ultimately improving our ability to protect and serve the community.”
The AFG grant program, administered by FEMA, supports the needs of fire departments and emergency medical services by providing funds for equipment, training, and other resources. This award reflects the county’s ongoing dedication to enhancing public safety and ensuring that our emergency services are well-prepared to handle a wide range of incidents.
“This investment in technology is an investment in the safety and well-being of our community,” added Trey Pyle, County Emergency Management Coordinator. “With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and community service, Prince Edward County and its public safety agencies continually seek to advance emergency response capabilities and ensure the highest standards of protection for county residents.
In December, 2023, the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors approved $6.3 million for a new county-wide public safety radio system. The cost of the new system, a Motorola P25 UHF Phase 2 Trunked Radio System, will be split between Prince Edward County (77%), the Town of Farmville (20%), Longwood University (2%), and Hampden-Sydney College (1%). The AFG award will help offset some of that cost.
The new radios will feature enhanced reliability, clearer communication channels, and improved durability, addressing key areas identified by Fire and EMS. The implementation of this new technology will not only streamline operations but also ensure that our responders have the tools necessary to perform their duties effectively.
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For additional information about the AFG grant and its impact on Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue agencies, please contact:
Douglas P. Stanley, County Administrator<
County of Prince Edward
TEL: 434-547-8837
dstanley@co.prince-edward.va.us
Trey Pyle, Emergency Management Coordinator
County of Prince Edward
TEL: 434-547-2051
typyle@co.prince-edward.va.us