Delaware County first responders are rejoicing at county council’s unanimous approval of a new $38 million radio system, the first emergency communications upgrade in 50 years, writes Kathleen E. Cary for the Daily Times.

“This is probably the most single, most important thing for all of law enforcement and fire service and EMS in Delaware County,” said John Viola, Haverford Township police chief and board member of the Delaware County Police Chiefs Association.

“We have been suffering a long, long time with the position of the radio system and … its failings.”

Delaware County Council OK’d the purchase of an Atlas P25 radio system from JVC Kenwood that includes 3,700 first responder radios as it moves to a 700 MHz-based operation.

The system will provide 97 percent-on-the-street coverage, include encryption and provide a radio dispatch system for volunteer firefighters over an unreliable cell phone system.

The new JVCKenwood first responders system will use 20 existing towers throughout the county.

“One of the faults of our current system is a police officer in Darby Borough can’t speak to a police officer in Radnor right now,” said Emergency Services Director Tim Boyce.

Read more at the Daily Times about Delaware County’s new emergency communications system.