Tazewell County receives funding for enhanced EMS Communication System

TAZEWELL, VA (LOOTPRESS) – The Tazewell County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce the successful securing of a $3,761,000 grant by Senator Mark Warner to upgrade the County’s EMS communication system. This funding will facilitate the crucial migration to P25-compliant interoperable radios and repeaters with AES encryption, ultimately enhancing communication between emergency callers, 911 operators, and first responders.

County Administrator Eric Young commented, “This allocation enhances communication infrastructure in Tazewell County and underscores our dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members. By investing in modern and secure communication technologies, we are taking proactive steps to strengthen our emergency response capabilities and safeguard our residents. We are grateful to Senator Warner, Senator Kaine and Congressman Griffith for their support.”

The allocated funds will enable Tazewell County to upgrade its communication infrastructure, ensuring seamless and secure communication channels vital for public safety and emergency response operations. With the implementation of P25-compliant radios and repeaters equipped with AES encryption, Tazewell County will establish a robust communication network that supports efficient coordination and collaboration among various agencies during critical situations.

Senator Warner expressed his commitment to prioritizing public safety and emergency preparedness in the County, stating, “I was proud to work to secure funding for these projects across Tazewell County in this year’s government funding package. These projects will help make the communities safer by investing in infrastructure to provide needed updates to our emergency service systems.”

Tazewell County officials also lauded Senator Warner’s efforts in securing the funding, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on enhancing communication systems and facilitating seamless coordination among emergency responders. Board of Supervisors Chairman Andy Hrovatic remarked, “We are grateful for Senator Warner’s advocacy and support in securing this funding for Tazewell County. The upgraded communication infrastructure will play an important role in improving our EMS capabilities.”

Sheriff Brian Heiatt added, “Receiving this needed grant funding will greatly enhance the communications from our 911 Center throughout all of the emergency agencies in Tazewell County.”

Project 25 (P25), also known as APCO-25, represents a set of standards developed by the Association of Public-Safey Communication Officials (APCO) International to ensure interoperability and seamless communication among public safety agencies, first responders and other emergency services organizations. Compliance with P25 standards is Compliance with P25 standards is crucial for organizations operating in emergency response and public safety sectors, as it enables effective communication during critical situations.