Earlier this year, the Towns of Braintree and Randolph applied to the State 911 Department for the Regional Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and Regional Secondary Public Safety Answering Point and Regional Emergency Communication Center Development Grant. Prior to submitting the application, the Towns participated in a Feasibility Study to establish a regional dispatch center for both communities. The Study confirmed that Braintree and Randolph are well suited to establish a regional facility, as they are neighboring communities and similar in population, culture and call volume. Additionally, the Study found that both communities would benefit both financially and operationally from the establishment of a regional dispatch center.
Funding for the Development Grant Program is competitive and is awarded based on grant guidelines set forth in the application. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the State 911 Department have awarded the Towns a grant in the amount of $4,097,559 for the creation of a PSAP in the Town of Braintree that would provide dispatch services for the Braintree Police and Fire Departments and the Randolph Police Department.
“The Towns put together a team, including representatives from the Police and Fire Departments, Building Department, Facilities Division and our Grant Writer to ensure that we submitted a competitive application for funding,” said Mayor Charles C. Kokoros. “This Award will allow us to renovate the existing building at 2 JFK Memorial Drive which has been vacant for decades to provide state of the art emergency communication services to the residents of Braintree and Randolph.”
The grant award includes funding for project management services ($125,000) and construction ($3,972,559).
“Our towns have worked closely over the years, and we look forward to strengthening these bonds to create a more efficient approach to our public safety services. Updating and evolving with the ever-changing technology needs of our public safety departments is imperative. I am excited that the state has supported our efforts with this grant award” said Randolph Town Manager Brian Howard.
The renovations will include handicapped accessible accommodations, installation of a heating and air conditioning system, new plumbing, new bathrooms and locker room space, a training room, a mechanical/technology room and administrative office space.
“We already have a strong relationship with the Randolph Police Department and work well together when mutual aid is needed,” said Braintree Police Chief Mark Dubois. “The PSAP will strengthen that relationship, while also enhancing the dispatch services to both communities through new equipment, technology and a facility designed specifically for dispatchers and communications.”
“I am excited for the creation of the PSAP and its ability to help our public safety departments implement state of the art technology to enhance services. We have a great relationship with the Braintree Police Department and this team approach allows our department to make much needed upgrades to our communications systems that are the foundation to coordinating and dispatching calls,” said Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag.
Subsequent grant applications will include costs for equipment and operation of the regional dispatch facility.