Funds for P.D. upgrades clears House committee U.S. Rep. Ferguson said police are closer to $220K in federal funds BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer WOODBRIDGE - The township police department's radio system is one step closer to getting a much-needed upgrade. U.S. Congressman Michael Ferguson [R-12] announced last week that the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved his request for $220,000 to upgrade the police department's communication capabilities. "As we learned during the response to 9-11, it's critically important that first responders in different agencies can communicate with each other during emergencies," said Ferguson at a press conference outside the police department on July 30. Township officials told the congressman at his annual meeting with elected officials about funding, grants and other federal resources that may be available to local communities, about the need to replace existing radios for the police department. Ferguson made the request this past spring to the House Appropriations Committee. Police Chief William Trenery said only parts of the radio system, which was installed in 1940, have been replaced over the years. "Some parts are old and can't be repaired," said Trenery, who said the department is always looking for grants. Ferguson said he is pleased to have secured initial congressional approval for the federal funds, but said the funding is not a done deal. "House approval is a big first step," he said. "I will remain a strong advocate for the Woodbridge Police Department receiving the funding it needs and deserves to protect our community." Mayor John E. McCormac said he has put together a team of police, emergency management [EMS] and radio communication experts to assist in the development and implementation of an advanced police and emergency radio communications system. "The funding advocated by Congressman Ferguson for the department will go a long way toward achieving our public safety goal and improving police and EMS communications in times of crisis or emergency," he said. Trenery said since his department receives more than 100,000 calls by residents each year for service and emergency responses, the need for improved communications is front and center. "These federal dollars would be greatly appreciated and would allow the department to continue to implement updated public safety communications," he said.