Thought this might be of some interest
A Suffolk legislative committee Thursday approved the first stage of a $22 million upgrade to the county's emergency radio system aimed at improving clarity and communications with outside agencies in disasters.
Under the proposal, which goes before the full county legislature Tuesday, Suffolk would convert its existing analog system, used since the early 1990s, to a digital system, said Michael Postel, communications systems director with the Suffolk County Police Department, which manages the county radio system.
Under a contract with the county, Motorola would provide about 2,000 new portable radios and 750 units for vehicles, and upgrade software on an additional 4,000 to 5,000 radios, Postel said. Suffolk also would use the money approved Thursday to add antennas to existing towers and replace radio base stations.
The upgrade would permit "crisper and clearer communication" and let agencies from outside the county more easily communicate with county personnel during emergencies, Postel told the Public Safety Committee Thursday.
The current system, which will be phased out over the next few years, is so old that parts are difficult to find. "There's no more support for the existing system," Postel said.
The committee unanimously appropriated $11.9 million for this year, which Suffolk would borrow. The county's capital budget includes an additional $10 million next year for the upgrade.
Legis. William Spencer (D-Centerport), noting that Suffolk will repay the borrowing over 18 years, asked, "Is the next best thing going to come out in two years?" Postel said that, while he couldn't guarantee that the technology wouldn't become obsolete, Motorola just began using the system three years ago.
Legis. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) noted that there have been discussions about replacing the radios for years. "We should have been replacing these systems two years ago," she said.
A Suffolk legislative committee Thursday approved the first stage of a $22 million upgrade to the county's emergency radio system aimed at improving clarity and communications with outside agencies in disasters.
Under the proposal, which goes before the full county legislature Tuesday, Suffolk would convert its existing analog system, used since the early 1990s, to a digital system, said Michael Postel, communications systems director with the Suffolk County Police Department, which manages the county radio system.
Under a contract with the county, Motorola would provide about 2,000 new portable radios and 750 units for vehicles, and upgrade software on an additional 4,000 to 5,000 radios, Postel said. Suffolk also would use the money approved Thursday to add antennas to existing towers and replace radio base stations.
The upgrade would permit "crisper and clearer communication" and let agencies from outside the county more easily communicate with county personnel during emergencies, Postel told the Public Safety Committee Thursday.
The current system, which will be phased out over the next few years, is so old that parts are difficult to find. "There's no more support for the existing system," Postel said.
The committee unanimously appropriated $11.9 million for this year, which Suffolk would borrow. The county's capital budget includes an additional $10 million next year for the upgrade.
Legis. William Spencer (D-Centerport), noting that Suffolk will repay the borrowing over 18 years, asked, "Is the next best thing going to come out in two years?" Postel said that, while he couldn't guarantee that the technology wouldn't become obsolete, Motorola just began using the system three years ago.
Legis. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) noted that there have been discussions about replacing the radios for years. "We should have been replacing these systems two years ago," she said.
For suffolk county
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