$250,000 Grant To Aid Cortland County Emergency Communications

CORTLAND, 06/24/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that a $250,000 legislative grant he secured will assist with the cost of an emergency communications equipment upgrade  for Cortland County law enforcement officials.

“It is imperative that our law enforcement officials and first responders have the tools they need when they are called into duty, starting with a reliable communication network,” said Senator Seward.  “This legislative grant will help Cortland County’s law enforcement officials do their job safely and efficiently, and will not come with an added cost to county taxpayers.”

The legislative grant obtained by Senator Seward, included in a 2014 senate resolution, is being utilized to help Cortland County complete an emergency preparedness and communication network upgrade.  Specifically, the funds will be used to assist with the countywide replacement of car mobile data terminals for all law enforcement vehicles.

Cortland County Chair of the Legislature Susan Briggs said, “Senator Seward’s assistance means a great deal as Cortland County legislators work to provide essential services to our residents and business and, at the same time, keep property taxes in check.”        

Cortland County Legislator Kevin Whitney who chairs the county’s Budget and Finance Committee said,  “These mobile data terminals are like having a second police officer in the car and are a vital tool when it comes to fighting crime and keeping our officers safe.  This grant is the latest example of Senator Seward’s well-established support for Cortland County and our first responders.”

Senator Seward previously helped Cortland County secure $10 million through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) program to assist in constructing the county’s fully-upgraded emergency communications network.  

“Cortland County’s emergency communication system has undergone a complete transformation.  The new in-car computers are one more link in the vital chain that joins officers and first responders in the field with the information they need to serve and protect,” Seward concluded.

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