NCSO installs new antenna site

Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti announced a new antenna site at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls has been placed on the Niagara County Public Safety Radio Network.

A press release noted, “This addition to the radio network greatly enhances radio coverage in that portion of Niagara County and will assist first responders in communications with each other and the dispatch centers in the county. The antenna site is the final step in the first phase of expanding the Niagara County radio system designed to enhance radio coverage in commercial buildings throughout the county. The second phase of the expansion project is already underway and includes the construction of three additional towers in Wheatfield, Wilson and Barker.”

The radio network serves as the primary communication system for the majority of Niagara County police, fire and EMS, as well as federal and state law enforcement partners and other municipal users such as highway departments and school systems. The site at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls is a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and the largest shopping center in Niagara County.

The installation of this site was funded through the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Statewide Interoperable Communications Grants, which have been awarded to Niagara County for this purpose.

“This site coming on the air is the culmination of much hard work and determination by Chief Deputy Patrick Weidel,” Filicetti said. “His dedication to this enhancement and completing this project will benefit first responders in Niagara County for years to come.”

The ongoing second phase of this project is anticipated to be completed in 2022 and will extend into some of the more rural areas of the county.