The New Lenox Fire Protection District was able to buy new radios for its crews with a $144,208 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The district’s current portable radios are 10 to 12 years old, according to a news release from NLFPD.
“The FEMA grant process is a very competitive award program, and only a certain number of fire/EMS departments are chosen for awards,” according to the release.
The new Motorola dual band radios will ensure all NLFPD firefighters will be using the same type of radio. The new radios have larger buttons, which are easier for firefighters to use with a gloved hand and have the most up-to-date safety features. They also will increase the NLFPD’s ability to communicate with law enforcement agencies and other public safety agencies locally and nationally.