(EDISON, NJ) -- In keeping with an ongoing strategy to offer regional solutions, Middlesex County and the Township of Edison have announced the addition of Edison to its emergency radio system. Participating in this County-wide service will save Edison millions of dollars each year and ensure greater efficiencies in communicating emergencies. This arrangement will provide access to a state-of-the-art radio system that enables Edison to maintain communications with County agencies and other municipalities in Middlesex County that are also on this network.
Edison’s participation in the County’s regional radio system was approved by the Edison Council in September 2021 and by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners in November 2021. The Edison Police and Edison Fire Department will be using the regional radio system.
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Middlesex County invested $9 million dollars in Capital Improvement Funds to upgrade its emergency radio system to a 700/800 MHz P25, Phase II, microwave redundant radio network. This robust upgrade provides seamless interoperability with all County agencies and municipal police, fire, and emergency medical services, while almost completely eliminating radio outages by utilizing advanced technology. The County’s regional radio system saves each participating municipality millions in infrastructure improvements and ensure all systems meet new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates.
Middlesex County has invested $5 million dollars toward enhancing the infrastructure of this dynamic radio system to further regionalize its capabilities. The County will also cover the cost of maintenance, yielding 1.35 million in savings for Edison over the next 15 years.
“When Superstorm Sandy hit the tri-state area 10 years ago, first responders had difficulty communicating with their counterparts in other municipalities due to incompatible radio systems,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “The County’s state-of-the-art regional radio system directly addresses this need, making it possible for first responders from different municipalities to easily communicate with and support one another during emergencies – and to maintain communication with County agencies. As with any shared service, it will also save participating municipalities millions of dollars each year. This is truly a win-win situation for all involved.”
“Collaboration makes amazing things possible, and this new deal my administration negotiated is no exception,” said Mayor Sam Joshi, Edison Township. “This will save Edison taxpayers about 5 million dollars while continuing to ensure their safety.”
“Our first responders routinely put themselves in harm’s way to protect us, and at times they may need to call for back-up or other assistance from the County or another municipality. Middlesex County’s regional radio system will help ensure that communication is possible, and that our first responders get the support they need to continue their outstanding work,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra, chair of the County’s public safety and health committee.
“I am very pleased for the new radio system and the shared partnership with Middlesex County to ensure the efficient and effective communications for the police department, as the safety of my officers and the community as a whole is of paramount concern,” said Chief Thomas Bryan, Edison Police Department Swat Commander. “The County’s representatives, from their Administrator on down, were extremely open to working with the Township to provide Edison with the very best in Public Safety Radio Communications.”
Municipalities currently using the County’s shared radio system include Highland Park, Jamesburg, Middlesex, Milltown, Monroe, North Brunswick, South Amboy, South Plainfield, South Brunswick, and Sayreville. Additionally, the boroughs Dunellen and Metuchen have signed on to join the County’s radio network.
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.
