The Roswell City Council recently approved the application and acceptance of a 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for up to $800,000. The grant is made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The fire department will use the funding to exchange approximately 70 Motorola portable radios that will no longer be supported by the manufacturer after Dec. 31.

The goal of this project is to ensure the city’s firefighters have reliable, up-to-date portable radios to support effective communications during emergencies. The radios will be replaced with a modern version that has built-in LTE capability and allows for backup communication.

This will also help businesses and other organizations in the city that would otherwise have to install Bi-Directional Amplifier systems to boost radio coverage inside their buildings.

If approved, the grant will cover the cost of purchasing new portable radios and accessories like batteries, battery chargers and radio shoulder microphones.

Upon appropriation, the city will be required to provide local matching funds equal to 10% of the award or $80,000.

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