Rockland County to Amplify Buildings’ Radio Signals for First Responders to Better Communicate

By Sarah Morgenstern

First-Responders in Rockland County have received a $772,788 grant from the state to amplify radio signals among schools and other large buildings so that police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers can stay better connected in emergencies and better protect residents.

Last week, County Executive Ed Day and Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco signed a resolution that approved the funding that is provided by the New York State Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services.

The structural components in some large buildings can cause interference with radio signals that prevent first responders from staying connected, Rockland County legislators said. The nearly $800,000 will first be used to assess the radio strengths of Rockland’s schools and large buildings.

Then, Rockland County will install amplifiers to strengthen radio signals so that police departments, fire departments and emergency medical providers are always able to easily remain in contact.