First Responders in Trumbull County will ring in the new year with more reliable communication in emergency situations.

In 2024, Trumbull County Commissioners allocated around 875,000 dollars of ARP funds to construct a tower just off route 7 in Brookfield. In total, the 1.7 million dollar project aimed at eliminating dead spots in communication between police and fire departments.

"First Energy along with Motorola and Oarnet had to calibrate the tower. Originally they through there may be a problem with the Antenna, but they found out it was mainly just getting everybody calibrated," said Rick Hernandez, Trumbull County Commissioner.

In other words getting everyone in the marcs system on the same page.

"Anyone, maybe up in the Hartford, Kinsman, Vernon, areas up north that if there is some sort of an issue, that they would contact me at the commissioner's office so that I can get them the number to MARCS and so that they can work with them one-on-one to calibrate those radios," said Hernandez.

Hernandez reiterated the importance of this tower to the MARCS system, and how communication in face of danger is paramount. Aside from Brookfield, departments in Hubbard Township, Fowler, Kinsman, Vienna, and Johnston will all reap the benefits of reliable communication.

"I believe you're going to see a lot more departments looking into the purchase of the MARCS systems. They are quite expensive. There are some grant monies available," Hernandez added.