The Olds Fire Department is closer to obtaining an updated radio system for emergency personnel.
They've received a $4,450 donation from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) toward eventual purchase of Alberta First Responder Radio Communications (AFRRCS) equipment.
Spencer Higginson and Janet Goodman of FCC made the donation at the fire hall earlier this month.
According to the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security department, the Alberta First Responder Radio Communications System (AFRRCS) is a provincewide system that will improve the safety of first responders (police, fire and ambulance).
It will also facilitate full coordination for joint responses because first responders will be able to communicate with each other.
In addition, the government says it will result in lower radio system infrastructure cost, and "robust, resilient radio technology for day-to-day operations."
The current fire department communication system, which is an older system, will be phased out across Mountain View County.
"It will take time, but donations like the one from FCC, will certainly expedite the transition," an Olds Fire Department news release says.
"Although there are no fees for us to use the AFRRCS system, we will have to purchase radios that work with the system, so we are grateful to Farm Credit Canada for the donation," acting fire Chief Scott Chant says.
"Although there are no fees for us to use the AFRRCS system, we will have to purchase radios that work with the system, so we are grateful to Farm Credit Canada for the donation."SCOTT CHANT ACTING FIRE CHIEF
