NORWICH – Recently, the City of Norwich Fire Department was awarded a $85,159 federal grant that will go toward upgrading its radio equipment so the agency will be compatible with Chenango County’s new 911 communications system.

The new $6 million Emergency Management Communications system replaces a system of three towers constructed in the 1970s with a total of nine towers, including the main tower at the Public Safety Facility on Upper Ravine Road in the Town of Norwich. Public safety officials estimate that after many years of only covering about 25 percent of the county, nearly all of the towns will now be covered at a 95 percent rate.

U.S. Representative Michael Arcuri announced April 16 the Norwich Fire Department would receive the funds for operations and safety enhancements under the 2009 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.  

Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo said the department had to put up between 10 and 20 percent of the awarded amount to be eligible for the grant, and that all the funds would go to equipping able bodied members of the volunteer and paid fire service with up-to-date radio equipment. Also, equipment used at the fire house and on the departments’ vehicles would be upgraded.