State legislators announced that Putnam County will receive more than $1.1 million and Westchester County will receive more than $1.9 million in state funding to strengthen emergency communications systems and enhance 911 call-taking and emergency dispatch capabilities through the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) Operations Grant programs.

The SICG-Formula Grant Program supports local governments’ efforts to bolster communications networks through Land Mobile Radio systems, expand access to communications-focused training and exercises and maintain communications equipment. The PSAP Operations Grant Program provides funding to support county 911 centers by ensuring that personnel are prepared to respond to calls for service. PSAPs can use funding to support current operations as well as develop systems needed to implement Next Generation 911.

“This funding is a critical investment in the safety of our communities,” said Slater. “When someone dials 911, every second matters. Our dispatchers and first responders need reliable communications systems and modern technology to coordinate quickly and effectively during emergencies. These investments will help ensure Putnam and Westchester counties have the tools and resources necessary to protect residents, improve emergency response and save lives.”

Under the awards, Putnam County will receive approximately $895,000 through the SICG program and $248,000 through the PSAP Operations Grant Program, while Westchester County will receive nearly $1.55 million through SICG and more than $350,000 through the PSAP Operations Grant Program.

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said: “Reliable emergency communications save lives, and this funding will help ensure our 911 Center remains equipped with the technology, training, and resources needed to answer the call when our residents need help most. I want to thank Assemblyman Matt Slater for his strong advocacy in securing these critical state investments for Putnam County. This funding will strengthen our emergency communications infrastructure today while helping us prepare for the future.”

Senator Rob Rolison said: “Public safety isn't just about what happens during an emergency—it's about ensuring the people behind the scenes have the tools and support they need to respond effectively from the very first call. Investing in these critical systems strengthens the foundation of emergency response, allowing first responders to focus on what matters most: protecting lives and serving our communities.”

Senator Pete Harckham said: “When emergencies strike our communities, clear and timely communications can mean the difference between life and death, so our emergency communications systems must be equipped to meet the demands of every crisis. This $1.1 million state investment in Putnam County’s first responders will strengthen public safety and help protect the county’s communities while also enhancing 911 call-taking capabilities. I am thankful to Governor Hochul, the state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and my colleagues in the State Legislature’s Putnam County delegation for help in securing this funding and their partnership on this and many other public safety initiatives.”

Assemblymember Dana Levenberg said: “If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is the need to keep our residents safe. It is vital to ensure that our emergency communications systems work for our first responders because seconds really could mean the difference between life and death when our community members are in critical condition. I was proud to vote in favor of the budgets supplying these grant funds, and pleased to join my Putnam County colleagues to celebrate this funding.”

James Oster, Commissioner Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services said: “Every second matters during an emergency, and these grant funds will directly support the systems and personnel that connect residents with lifesaving assistance. This will help us maintain and enhance our communications network as well as strengthen our ability to train dispatchers and continue delivering the highest level of service. We are grateful to our state representatives for recognizing the importance of investing in public safety and helping secure these resources for Putnam County”

“Whether responding to severe weather, a motor vehicle accident, a medical emergency or a large-scale public safety incident, seamless communication between dispatchers and first responders is essential,” Slater added. “I appreciate New York’s continued investment in strengthening these systems and ensuring our local emergency personnel have the support they need to serve our communities.”