DeKalb County gets grants to replace outdated technology
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office announced the county has been awarded grants totaling nearly $500,000 to replace outdated emergency response equipment.
"We have made great strides in bolstering up our 1970's technology," said Sheriff Nick Welden. "Most of it is no longer serviceable, due to the parts no longer being produced. We pray everyday that we don't get a lightning strike. We have utilized temporary fixes such as; FirstNet as a band aid and purchased second hand used equipment in order to provide Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS services to the residents of Dekalb County."
"The time has come that we are forced to make hard choices. Due to the fact that no money has ever been placed in reserve or budgeted to keep up with technology, we are placed in a very difficult position. We have a responsibility to leave the next generation of Emergency Responders with a better system than we have been left with. The strain placed on our outdated system by COVID-19 response has increased the urgency of this project by multiples."
Acquiring these grants was a joint effort between the DeKalb County Fire Departments, Rescue Squads, 911, EMA and municipal police departments.
Gloss