Whitman Fire Department Awarded Grant for Communication Interoperability Equipment

WHITMAN — Fire Chief Timothy Grenno is pleased to announce that the Whitman Fire Department has been awarded a $4,600 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) to enhance the town’s emergency communication equipment.

Distributed by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the grant will fund enhancements to emergency communications equipment. These enhancements will allow for interoperability between the fire department and the police department once again. 

Following the Whitman Police Department’s transition to Digital P-25 technology, Whitman Fire, EMS and DPW were left with limited direct communication with the police department. This grant will help to bridge the gap in communication by updating the Fire Department’s radios to be P-25 technology which will allow for interoperability between agencies.

Interoperability between town agencies will allow for responding police and fire officials to be able to share information in an effective, timely manner via voice or digital signal.

The department will purchase P-25 two-way radios to update their mobile radios at the Whitman Emergency Operations Center and in public safety vehicles. The integration of these radios will streamline and improve communications, minimize miscommunication and bring Whitman more in line with best practices. 

“First responders have the urgent need to communicate quickly and effectively with each other,” said Chief Grenno. “We are extremely grateful for this grant and look forward to the radio improvements which will allow us to better serve our community in partnership with our other emergency agencies.”

The purchase of these radios will be a continuation of the ongoing initiative to bring all town departments to P-25 interoperability. 

About the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)

The EMPG provides funds to assist local and tribal governments with emergency management departments in preparing for all hazards and to obtain the resources required to support FEMA’s National Preparedness Goal’s Mission Areas and Core Capabilities. Funds may be used to support local and/or regional emergency management activities in the following cost categories: Planning, Organizational, Equipment, Training, and Exercises.

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