Emergency communicationLocal emergency responders in Michigan could receive new radio system

Local emergency responders in Michigan could soon be receiving new communication equipment to connect with other nearby agencies.

City councils in Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods are currently considering whether to purchase new radios to replace their aging 800 MHz system.

Officials in Grosse Pointes say the existing radio system is twelve years old and will likely become obsolete soon making it difficult to find parts and make repairs in the future.

Last Monday before the city council, Shane Reeside, the Grosse Pointes city manager, said that a $485,000 DHS grant could help fund the purchase of the new radios which would cost more than $1 million to purchase.

Harper Woods would also benefit from the grant, as it operates under a mutual aid agreement with Grosse Pointes.

Reeside said that the new communication system would allow emergency workers to coordinate with various agencies from across the Grosse Pointes area including Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Shores, and Grosse Pointe Woods.

In addition, the new communications systems would help emergency responders interface with other neighboring cities.

Officials from the various cities have noted that the grant that is currently being offered may not become available again and that it would be wise to take advantage to upgrade its systems while there is an opportunity to.

Each of the various cities in the Grosse Pointes area must approve the decision and so far city councils in Grosse Pointe Farms and the City of Grosse Pointe Shores unanimously approved the proposal.