When first responders are called into action, communication is a vital process and it’s one that could be getting easier in Bridgeport.

 

During its Jan. 13 meeting, the Bridgeport City Council unanimously approved a budget revision that acknowledges an award of a $65,000 Homeland Security Grant.

 

The grant was applied for in order to purchase communication equipment that will be compatible with the FBI equipment since the City now responds to all EMS calls with the FBI CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services). Also, the City Police and Fire Departments respond as backup and must be able to communicate.

 

Of the $65,000, $48,000 will go to the Police Department and $17,000 will go to the Fire Department.

 

There will also be no impact to the actual budget as the grant receipt will directly offset the expense.

 

“The office of Emergency Management for the city of Bridgeport received a Homeland Security grant for updated communications equipment,” Bridgeport Fire Department Chief Phil Hart said. “The way that is funded, you have to spend the money and they reimburse you with the receipts. That was not budgeted so that’s why the budget revision was put in.

 

“The radios will be purchased which will allow us to have encryption so if there is a sensitive operation going on where the fire department and police department work closely together. It’s going to be beneficial to all parties involved. Communications in operations like that are very determinative.”

 

For more on the Jan. 13 City Council meeting, click HERE