The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has committed approximately $10 million for communications and interoperability enhancements in Camden County. Camden County Freeholder Michelle Gentek-Mayer, liaison to the Department of Public Safety, spoke about the boost in a critical tool for first responders throughout the county.
“In advance of Pope Francis’s visit to Philadelphia next month, the state has committed funds to enhance public safety by expanding communications capabilities in the region,” Gentek-Mayer said. “Numerous preparations are being made on this side of the Delaware River to accommodate up to two million visitors, if not more, that are expected to attend.”
Two years ago, Camden County Emergency Communications Center dispatchers began dispatching on a state-of-the-art 700 MHz radio system. This $35 million investment by the Freeholder Board enables our first responders to provide critical emergency services in a more effective and efficient manner than ever before. The combination of the radio system and the new enhancements for the Papal visit
“The Freeholder Board’s number one priority is to make sure the residents, families and children of Camden County are safe. When you call 9–1–1, it is imperative for the system to work and for first responders to have the ability to communicate with one another,” Gentek-Mayer said. “Our Public Radio Communications System provides true interoperability for police, fire and EMS communications within Camden County and our surrounding region. We will also have the ability to communicate with surrounding counties and the state using a regional repeater.”
