Bilirakis visits Safety and Emergency Services’ Communications Tower in Pinellas

Tarpon Springs: Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who serves as a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Communications & Technology Subcommittee, visited an Emergency Services' Communications Tower in Pinellas County. During the site visit, Congressman Bilirakis learned more about the daily work being done to develop, maintain and deploy wireless/broadband infrastructure to support emergency communications for first responders, law enforcement and fire department personnel. Also, Mr. Jim Fogarty, Bureau Director of Safety and Emergency Services for Pinellas County, thanked Congressman Bilirakis for his recent efforts in securing $1.75 million in federal funding for the consolidated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system which will allow a singular platform for all emergency response agencies in Pinellas County. This consolidated system will improve public safety and increase interagency efficiency throughout the county.

"It is critical that our first responders have the most up-to-date communications tools needed to support their life-saving work," said Congressman Bilirakis. "It was great to see a behind-the-scenes look of how that important goal is achieved. As we seek to modernize our nation's infrastructure and close the digital divide, I will continue to advocate for the effective and efficient deployment of resources to bring connectivity throughout the entire country.