January 14, 2002

Harman Announces $220,000 In Federal Funding
For El Segundo Fire Department

Washington, DC - U.S. Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) today announced a $220,000 grant for the El Segundo Fire Department. The grant, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will be used to purchase mobile radio equipment for the Department and will cover 90 percent of the cost. The funding was awarded after Harman voiced concerns about the lack of interoperable communications in El Segundo and throughout Los Angeles County.

“With emergencies possible at LAX, aerospace facilities, oil refineries, and LA Air Force Base, the El Segundo Fire Department has a unique challenge when it comes to emergency response, including a possible terrorist attack,” said Harman. “It faces a wide variety of scenarios and needs to communicate with multiple response groups.”

“The grant awarded to El Segundo is only one small step,” stated Harman. “Countless communities throughout Los Angeles and the country are in dire need of interoperable communications. If we are going to drastically strengthen homeland security, we must link our fire departments and other responder groups with the necessary communication equipment.”

“These additional federal funds will help El Segundo make critical investments in new technology to help protect our community,” said El Segundo Mayor Mike Gordon.

El Segundo Fire Chief Norm Angelo added, “This is the first phase of a system that will enable us to more effectively meet the public’s emergency response needs and better protect our firefighters. The efforts of FEMA, the leadership of Congresswoman Harman, Mayor Gordon and our city council have moved us one step closer toward providing seamless communications and interoperability with other public safety agencies and our other essential city services. This is one small piece in support of a larger regional planning effort being conducted with several cities (a cooperative known as ICIS) and the LA County Sheriff.”

The El Segundo Fire Department was one of more than 19,000 fire departments that applied for grants in 2002. The grant - one of only 5500 awards - was reviewed by over 300 fire service leaders. Harman supported the application, urging a favorable determination from the U.S. Fire Administration at FEMA.

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