Washington County to spend $25 million on new radio technology for first responders

SOUTH FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - Washington County is investing tens of millions of dollars to enhance the safety of its residents and emergency responders. The current radio technology used by first responders has been largely unchanged since the 1930s, leading to communication challenges during emergencies. Firefighters at the South Franklin Volunteer Fire Department recently discussed the anticipated improvements to the communications system.

Peters Township Chief Mike McLaughlin highlighted the inconsistency in signal strength that responders face when answering calls. "Some places are good, some places are not so good," he noted, emphasizing the risks posed to both those in need of help and the emergency personnel trying to assist them. Reliable communication is crucial for responders, particularly in distressing situations where they may need to call for backup.

Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman acknowledged the seriousness of the communication issues, illustrating the potential dangers first responders face when unable to reach help. To address these problems, the county plans to allocate approximately $25 million from the American Rescue Plan to transition from analog to digital radio systems. Sherman described this initiative as the most significant and vital project the county has ever undertaken.

The new radio system is designed to provide improved signals across a wider area, promising better communication for first responders. During a recent two-hour meeting, officials addressed community concerns about the project, including its cost implications for individual municipalities. Sherman assured attendees that the financial burden would not fall heavily on local departments, countering rumors of excessive costs.

While some attendees expressed growing confidence in the new system, concerns about equipment availability and departmental expenses lingered. Despite these worries, McLaughlin indicated that not all departments would require the same quantity of radios, suggesting that the new system is being structured to meet the specific needs of each municipality effectively.