Six Iron Range Departments Moving Ahead on Radio Grant
April 30, 2009 — Improved radio communications is the goal set forth by six Iron Range fire departments as they decide how to implement a $410,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding, which is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, was awarded earlier this year to the Eveleth Fire Department, which will coordinate the grant with the Mountain Iron, Virginia, Fayal Township, Gilbert, and McDavitt fire departments. Representatives from the departments are considering a number of issues, ranging from FCC licensing to the purchase of new mobile, portable and base station radios. In addition, the group has met with officials from the St. Louis County Communications Department to determine how the purchase of new radios will integrate with the county's EMS/Fire radio network. The purchase of the new equipment is expected this summer.