FirstNet directs the entire operation of a national public safety network to serve and connect first responders and other safety personnel. | File photo
FirstNet directs the entire operation of a national public safety network to serve and connect first responders and other safety personnel. | File photo
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) recently received a $14 million grant award from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), an independent agency created by Congress in 2012 to implement a nationwide broadband safety network.
IEMA’s gift comprised a hefty portion of FirstNet’s $26.8 million outlay to eight beneficiaries in the U.S. The funding will be allocated to a project proposed in its grant application, to replace audio systems, train staff on new equipment, fine tune the infrastructure and reprogram existing radios under the terms of its Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Grant Program.
State and local emergency response entities will collaborate on the resources, saving time and money. IEMA will have 12 months to implement the changes.
FirstNet directs the entire operation of a national public safety network to serve and connect first responders and other safety personnel at local, state, regional, tribal and federal levels.
“Illinois has long been committed to ensuring two-way, mission-critical communications for our first responders,” IEMA Director James Joseph said. “This grant will enable us to replace and update communications equipment needed to become part of a nationwide interoperable public safety communications system.”
IEMA plans to replace over 1,000 STARCOM21 portable radios and upgrade more than 4,500 additional existing units.
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