The Lewis County Commissioners have earmarked $4.5 million from the congressional American Rescue Plan Act to upgrade equipment at the Lewis County 911 dispatch center and at several radio communication sites used by county law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, according to a news release from the county.
“There will be some extensive microwave upgrades that will cover the county from end-to-end,” Lewis County Radio Services Manager Justin Stennick said in the release..
Lewis County 911 Communications Director Jennifer Libby-Jones added, “It’s incredibly important to first responders to know that they are being heard and they can get the resources they need.”
Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope said the commissioners want to ensure that first responders have adequate communication to respond in a timely manner so that citizens remain safe and receive the service they deserve.
Lewis County Commissioner Lindsey Pollock praised her fellow commissioners in supporting the improvements.
“Everyone expects when you pick up the phone and call 9-1-1 that you’re able to get someone out to your emergency in a rapid fashion and that requires effective communication all along the pipeline,” she said in the release. “This is just the beginning of investments; we’re going to have to think about as a community how we’re going to fund this in the future. We need a program in place for continued maintenance and ongoing improvement of equipment.”
