HCCF Awards $465,000 Grant to county government to fund Emergency radios

The Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF) Board of Directors awarded a $465,200 grant to the Harrison County Government for the use of purchasing portable radios and related equipment for the firefighters serving Harrison County. This grant is part of the conversion of the Harrison County Emergency Notification Network from an analog system to a digital system.

"After observing the need of this for the first responders in our county, the HCCF Board of Directors decided it was the right time to invest in this equipment to serve the people of this county." Pat Book, Chair of the HCCF Board.

HCCF will provide the funding for 1,283 radios and related equipment that will service all nine fire departments in Harrison County. Those fire departments include Boone Township, Elizabeth, Harrison Township, Heth Township, Lanesville, Milltown, New Middletown, Palmyra and Ramsey.

The county acquired its first system--the one currently in use today--in the 1990s. They established a single signal tower that could transmit communications to the county's entire population. Over the last 30 years, the population of Harrison County has grown, and the current system is no longer a viable option for the citizens and the first responders of Harrison County.

Jon Saulman, Fire Chief, Harrison Township Fire Department shared “This radio project has been the largest single investment in public safety for Harrison County to date. The commitment from the Harrison County Community Foundation is instrumental to the overall success of the project. It is truly amazing to see everyone come together and make this happen!"

The Harrison County Commissioners and Council recognized the urgency and need for a replacement system. Commissioner Charlie Crawford and Councilman Donnie Hussung, met with HCCF President & CEO Julie Moorman about this project. Moorman encouraged them to submit a grant application so the HCCF Board could consider and render a decision.

"As a County Commissioner, I am committed to the safety and security of the residents of Harrison County. I want to acknowledge the Foundation's support of this grant to provide new radios for the firefighters as part of the new Emergency Communications Systems for the county." Charlie Crawford, Harrison County Commissioner.

Part of the Harrison County Community Foundation's mission is producing positive and sustainable growth in Harrison County, which relates to the importance of the Emergency Radio Communications system as an integral part of our county for today and our growth into the future.

"This grant provided an opportunity to partner with Harrison County Government to update an essential service to the residents in our community.” said Julie Moorman, President & CEO of HCCF. “HCCF has a strong history of partnering with Harrison County Government on large impactful community projects."

“I’d like to express my appreciation to HCCF for providing grant funds to purchase the radios and related equipment that are a part of the county’s emergency communications upgrade. It is wonderful HCCF has partnered with county government to enhance the safety of the entire county. This grant takes a little bit of the stress off the county’s resources. Thanks again HCCF!” Donnie Hussung, Harrison County Council, member.