The Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company in Northampton County is getting new radios thanks to just over $200,000 from the state.
“So these new radios are required for the new system Northampton County is switching to, they’re switching to a digital radio system,” says Chief Scott VanWhy, Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company.
Funding for the equipment was secured by State Sen. Nick Miller and Rep. Steve Samuelson.
The volunteer department relies heavily on donations, so grant money like this goes a long way.
“Most of our funding is off of either fundraising from our residents or our community or the money we get from the allocation from the township, so any money that we can get from grants offsets stuff we need to keep the lights on in the fire station, definitely helps,” says VanWhy.
Public safety leaders say the new gear is a game changer.
“The digital system is said to be a much clearer and reliable system for us to be able to communicate on over the older system that we’re currently operating on,” he says.
The devices allow crews to communicate with the Northampton County 911 Center and other agencies during emergencies.
“They are going to help us be able to communicate much better. They are a lifeline to our crews out there,” says Karen Peters, EMS director for Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company.
A lifeline that will help these first responders keep the community safe.