Durbin Meets with Illinois Emergency Management Agency to Urge Expanding Statewaide Communications
DURBIN MEETS WITH ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO URGE EXPANDING STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) William Burke to discuss Illinois homeland security issues including the need for an expanded statewide communications system.
At the meeting, Durbin stressed the need for a larger statewide system to replace multiple aging and technically outdated radio systems. The State of Illinois has entered into a partnership with Motorola Corporation to develop a statewide communications system known as STARCOM 21. This new system allows for all government users and first responders across state of Illinois to be on one frequency.
"Our first responders and emergency officials have to be able to communicate in case of a natural disaster or terrorism attack," said Durbin. "The new STARCOM radios will help firefighters, EMTs, police and other emergency officials communicate with each other no matter where a disaster strikes. It will save lives and help protect Illinoisans. The first phase of federal funding has equipped 2000 first responders with essential radios. Now we must move forward."
Over the last few years, Senator Durbin has secured more than $27 million dollars for interoperable communications equipment, including $10 million to help Illinois purchase 1,700 STARCOM radios. Last December the system became operational in a limited number of areas across the state. In May 2007, the Illinois State Police will conduct the final test of the statewide radio system and support facility to make sure all radios are completely up and running.
In a report released last June by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Illinois ranked 11th in the nation in terrorism preparedness. In that evaluation, which graded 10 categories of emergency preparedness, Illinois received its lowest marks for its evacuation preparedness abilities -- including communications capacity. These radios will help improve communications in case of an emergency.
Today's meeting was attended by Jill Morgenthaler, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety, Bill Burke, the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Steve Greene, IEMA Legislative Liason, Mike Chamness, Director of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force and Margaret Larson, Director of Governor Blagojevich's Washington D.C. office.
http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=269255