Lethbridge County Building (Lethbridge News NOW)

By Lara Fominoff

Lethbridge County Council approves nearly $300,000 for First Responders Radio Communication System equipment

Aug 7, 2019 | 3:45 PM

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY, AB – The Towns of Coaldale, Picture Butte, Coalhurst and Nobleford – along with the Village of Barons, will each share a portion of $289,467.70 to purchase new specialized radios for their contracted fire departments.

Lethbridge County Council was asked to consider and approve the funding request at its Aug. 1, 2019 meeting.

The radios will be able to access the province wide Alberta First Responders Communication System (AFRRCS), used by many departments since 2016. The system allows better communication outside of primary response areas and makes it easier for neighbouring departments to help with calls.

While the network is funded and operated by the provincial government, it’s up to each municipality to buy the equipment necessary to access and operate within the network.

Those departments that already have transitioned to the new system will be reimbursed 50 per cent of the cost of their purchases. The remaining departments will move forward to purchase the radios as a result of the funding announcement.

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Fire departments in Lethbridge County have historically found that the previous radio systems provided inadequate coverage in the more rural areas, increasing risk to first responders.