Steubenville Council passed an ordinance this week looking to make the lives of first responders a little bit easier.
“Seconds can make a difference because when you're fighting for your life,” Councilperson Bob Villamagna said. “A second can feel like an hour."
Council approved the purchase of new radios for the city's police and fire departments. The purchase - totaling $231,000 is expected to come from the city's American Recovery Act funds.
"Communication is key,” Villamagna said. “These officers put their lives on the line every day. The fireman put their lives on the line, and they need the communication.” Villamagna served on the Steubenville Police Department.
"I remember calling for help and the radio didn't work and you're there by yourself,” he said. “And that's why we passed it on an emergency."