December 23rd, 2016 by WCBC Radio

First-responders in Allegany County can expect a major upgrade in communications equipment as early as next year- but it does come with a hefty price tag. As part of the Maryland FiRST Interoperable Radio System, a mandated statewide emergency frequency system that can be accessed by state and local public safety agencies, all radios must be upgraded to a 700-megahertz system. To secure the upgrade, county officials have introduced a $9 million bond, with $6 million allocated for radio upgrades conducive with the new technology. County Commissioners President Jake Shade said there were a number of issues taken into consideration by the county before committing to such an expensive endeavor…