Cook County accepts Minnesota ARMER equipment grant to replace aging emergency radios

Cook County commissioners unanimously accepted a Minnesota State ARMER equipment grant on March 25 that county staff said will fund replacement of a large share of the county's emergency radios.

"This grant gives us an opportunity to upgrade almost all of our active radios in the fire departments," said Jay, the county staff member who manages the radio program. He told commissioners the award will allow departments, EMS and tribal partners to replace roughly 200–220 radios and move to a BendixKing platform that county staff said provides interoperability with the U.S. Forest Service.

Jay said the statewide ARMER trunked radio system enables interoperable communications across counties, the state and federal partners; many radios in local departments are 12–15 years old and batteries and support for older models have declined.

Commissioners praised the joint application process that combined requests from multiple departments, with the board chair noting the county received one of the largest awards in the state. Commissioner Sullivan moved to accept the grant on behalf of Cook County and the state of Minnesota; a second was recorded and the motion passed unanimously.

County staff said the grant uses do not carry unusual hidden expectations, that the county has the matching funds included in purchase plans, and that the process will be: purchase, submit invoice, then receive reimbursement from the state.

The board recording shows the grant acceptance passed unanimously; staff said they will proceed with procurement and return with required signatures and paperwork.