Upgrade will help early responders

5/9/07
In a victory for first responders, Gov. M. Jodi Rell this week announced an improvement in communication systems between various communities and departments. It’s a welcome change from a situation where fire and police personnel could be cut off from one another, adding even more chaos to a hectic situation.
The state will be spending $1 million on new communications equipment that will make it easier for emergency responders from different towns to talk with each other on their portable radios. The technology will also allow local police and fire officials to communicate even if they have different radio frequencies and systems.
It’s a smart move, and long overdue. In the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in New York, poor communication technology was blamed for hundreds of deaths. Police and fire personnel had trouble communicating with each other, and it has been reported that many lives could have been saved with more modern communication systems.
Connecticut doesn’t have any terrorism targets like the World Trade Center, but disasters do happen, natural and otherwise. In the event of a large-scale catastrophe (a hurricane, for example), emergency responders must have the best equipment possible to deal with the crisis. Worrying about how to get in touch with others on the scene should be the last thing on anyone’s mind in that situation.
The new equipment plugs into existing radios in emergency response officials’ vehicles, meaning towns do not have to buy new radio systems. But it would be worth a high price to ensure the best technology.
So while it may be years late, it’s a necessary move. All measures should be taken to improve the abilities of first responders, in this state and around the country.