Emergency Communications Getting Upgrade

The South Dakota Office of Homeland Security announced a grant to enhance emergency communications across the state. More than $4.8 million will go to 49 South Dakota counties for interoperable radio communication equipment. "The equipment provides first-responders from different agencies and jurisdictions the ability to communicate with each other statewide," South Dakota Office of Homeland Security Director John Berheim said. Berheim says the ability to communicate with all involved during an incident is the key to an efficient and successful response. The Office of Homeland Security will reimburse the participating counties for 80 percent of the equipment purchased. The counties are responsible for the remaining 20 percent. The counties participating in this grant program are Aurora, Beadle, Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo,... [read full story]