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For Immediate Release: May 1, 2006

Contacts:
Kimberly Allen, (202) 226-8364; (202) 420-1524 [cell]

Friend of Law Enforcement, Rothman Presents $50,000 to Secaucus for Police Communications Equipment Upgrades

To Date, Rothman Has Secured $125,000 for Public Safety in Secaucus

Pictured: Congressman Rothman touring the Secaucus Police Communications Center

(Secaucus, NJ)— Today, Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) toured the Secaucus Police Communications Center with Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell and Deputy Mayor John Reilly to see first-hand how the $50,000 in federal funding he secured will help better protect the people of Secaucus.

“As we all know, when it comes to emergency situations, every second counts,” said Rothman. “Outdated equipment that causes our emergency responders to lose precious time must be updated as soon as possible. That’s why I am pleased to deliver $50,000 to Secaucus for its police communications center. These are needed dollars back from Washington, DC that won’t come out of local property taxpayers’ pockets.”

Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Corcoran contacted Rothman about the need for federal support last year. The town plans to use the money to upgrade to a digital electronic dispatch system. The new equipment will improve how quickly and effectively Secaucus can communicate with other nearby police departments, the fire department, and Emergency Medical Services. Additionally, the new equipment will allow Secaucus to tap into a county-wide communications system being implemented by Hudson County.

“The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, made clear that lives depend on the ability of First Responders to communicate with emergency personnel from other jurisdictions. With its proximity to New York City and well-trafficked commuter areas, Secaucus needs more modern security equipment,” added Rothman.

Upgrading the Secaucus communications system is expected to cost about $225,000, which includes the expense of hiring 20 additional dispatchers. Rothman secured the $50,000 to help the town afford new equipment in the FY2006 Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations Bill.

Since 2003, Secaucus has received $125,000 for public safety programs thanks to Rothman’s efforts. The town received $50,000 from a Secure Our Schools grant in 2003, and an additional for $25,000 to further enhance school safety in 2004. Authored by Rothman, Secure Our Schools is a matching grant program that provides federal funding for school safety enhancements, such as improved lighting, security training for students and personnel, locks, and metal detectors.

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