Beaufort county, NC, relies on an outdated analog VHF radio system, hindering interoperability with neighboring counties and the state's viper 800MHZ systems

This $893,000 Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Congressionally Recommended Awards program (CFDA 16.753) will enable Beaufort County, North Carolina to upgrade its emergency communication systems. The funding will be used to procure modern P-25-compliant portable radios, which will improve interoperability between the county's outdated analog VHF radio system and the state's VIPER 800MHz systems. This enhancement will enable seamless communication within and between emergency response agencies, enhancing firefighter safety, improving medical response by facilitating direct communication with emergency department doctors, and ultimately improving life safety, hazard mitigation, and property protection capabilities. The project will be implemented over an 18-month period from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.

This poses safety risks during emergencies due to unreliable communication and limited compatibility. Our project seeks funding to procure modern p-25-compliant portable radios, enabling seamless communication within and between emergency response agencies. The ability to communicate directly with each other, our dispatcher, or directly to other responders through the viper system will be a major improvement in firefighter safety and incident stabilization capacity. This upgrade will enhance firefighter safety, improve medical response by facilitating direct communication with emergency department doctors, and ultimately enhance life safety, hazard mitigation, and property protection capabilities.