VRFA receives federal grant to upgrade radio communications ...

The Valley Regional Fire Authority today announced a $294,236.00 federal grant award. The funds, which will be awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program, will help the VRFA upgrade its aging portable radios inventory.

"Quite simply, radio communications are a fundamental and essential part of the VRFA's daily operations," said VRFA Administrator Eric Robertson. "These funds will allow us to both immediately expand our communication reliability on the emergency scene, and place us ahead of the curve with future federal communication mandates."

VRFA personnel use two different types of radios with two distinctive technologies. Its primary radio is an 800 Megahertz (800 MHz) model that operates on a regional system. Some of these portable radios are 20 years old and will soon be incompatible with Federal Communication Commission mandates and technology.

VRFA crews also rely on less powerful VHF radio during certain events. These radios are used routinely, for example, when crews respond into Pierce County with East Pierce Fire and Rescue, and can be used when the regional 800 MHz system is down or overloaded due to natural disasters, as occurred during the 2011 ice storm.

The grant award will allow the VRFA to purchase a single radio that can operate on both the 800 MHz and VHF spectrums.

"We're fortunate to have access to both radio spectrums, but carrying two radios is a challenge," said VRFA Capt. Rick Olson, who helped write the grant. "Providing our personnel with one radio that can operate on both spectrums will reduce maintenance and replacement costs, and will make us more efficient."

In addition, Olson explained, the upgraded radios allow for a much higher capacity of radio frequencies, opening new doors to communication with multiple public safety agencies.

"Communication between public safety agencies is crucial," said Battalion Chief Tim Day, one of the grant's authors.

The new radios are expected to be purchased this month. Following department-wide training, the new radios should be in-service this summer.

Source: http://www.auburn-reporter.com/news/195382051.html

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