Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center Receives Nearly $17 Million in Grants from State 911 Department

August 3, 2023 by Leah Comins

HOLBROOK — Director Steve Hooke is pleased to announce that the Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center was awarded nearly $17 million in grants for Fiscal Year 2024 from the Massachusetts State 911 Department.

The grant programs award funds to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and Regional Emergency Communication Centers (RECCs) for allowable expenses related to operations and new community partnerships, equipment and training.

Development Grant, $14,127,153:

Development Grant funds are awarded to PSAPs and RECCs for startup, expansion or upgrade costs. HRECC will put the FY24 funding toward transition awards for the Towns of Rockland, Abington, Sherborn, Norwood and Holliston, which are the most recent communities to join. The state covers the annual assessment fees for towns in their first three years partnering with the center, with partial coverage of assessment fees in years four and five.

The funding will also go toward security measures for the Towns of Norwood and Holliston, as well as equipment costs such as radio system upgrades, subscriber unit radios and fire alarm system upgrades for HRECC partner communities.

Support and Incentive Grant, $2,599,845:

The Support and Incentive Grant assists PSAPs and RECCs in providing enhanced 911 service. HRECC will use the funding for personnel costs, Computer-Aided Dispatch systems, console cleaning, fire alarm receiving equipment and public safety radio systems.

Training Grant, $189,856.56:

The Training Grant provides PSAPs and RECCs with funding for expenses relating to the training and certification of enhanced 911 telecommunicators, including emergency medical dispatch programs. HRECC will use the FY24 funding to cover personnel costs and vendor fees for new employees to complete state-mandated training, as well as continuing education obligations for existing employees. The funds will also go toward professional membership and conference costs.

“These grants are highly competitive and vital to our ability to provide the best dispatching services possible to our partner communities,” Director Hooke said. “As always, we are appreciative of the state’s assistance in helping us enhance our operations and their support of our ongoing work.”

HRECC currently serves 11 departments across Norfolk, Plymouth and Middlesex counties. HRECC also serves the Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team and the Fire District 4 Control Point.

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