U.S. House approves Boucher’s $200,000 request for encoded radios for Craig first responders

August 5, 2007 | Virginia News

Currently, Craig County first responders rely on cell phone communications when sharing confidential information, and because of the county's terrain, cell phone signals are often not available or can be overheard.

By Meg Hibbert, New Castle Record

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation to provide $200,000 for Craig County to purchase encoded radios for the sheriff's office, fire and rescue.

Virginia's Ninth District Congressman Rick Boucher sponsored the bill and made the announcement of the House passage Aug. 3. Abingdon resident Boucher represents Craig County in Congress.

In his press release, Boucher said the new radios will provide first responders with enhanced communications abilities, and make it possible for them to share confidential information over the air without unauthorized listeners hearing it over scanners.

Once signed into law, the money will be used to outfit the Craig County sheriff’s dispatch office and sheriff’s vehicles as well as fire and rescue vehicles in the county. Confidential information such as a victim’s medical condition, or a police suspect’s location must be relayed to first responders in manner undetectable to scanners.

Currently, Craig County first responders rely on cell phone communications when sharing confidential information, and because of the county's terrain, cell phone signals are often not available or can be overheard. The encoded radios will operate on a private frequency, Boucher pointed out, making sure sensitive information can be relayed quickly and effectively between the Craig County Sheriff’s office, law enforcement personnel on patrol, and other emergency responders in the field.