U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th) announced a $267,900 check to for Passaic County Prosecutor's Office (PCPO) at a March 27 press conference inside PCPO's headquarters at 30 King Rd.

The grant will fund the second phase of the agency's interoperability system, a streamlined first responder communications network. The technology addresses a long-running shortcoming. Many countywide emergency departments face difficulty contacting one another across diverse two-way frequencies.

With the funds, the PCPO will purchase a sophisticated server with redundancy features. The device will interface various communications modes - such as VHF, VOIP, and UHF - with the interoperability systems' fiber-optic lines.

In addition, funds will allow commencement of the third phase, which will bring remote stations to further the interoperability set-up. These antennae will improve town radio system weaknesses.

Lautenberg said the handout addresses an essential purpose.

"These funds are going to help build a better communications network for police, fire and EMS personnel. We were reminded on Sept. 11 on how crucial it is to have efficient systems."

The senator said the high tech infrastructure will facilitate quick relaying of messages between emergency personnel.

"That information will save lives by getting first responders to the scene as soon as possible."

Pascrell seconded that.

"People have to be able to communicate and talk to each other in other agencies. This is basic. This is law enforcement 101."

The congressman said Washington has not ponied up enough money to make interoperability a nationwide workhorse.

"We can take every step necessary to ensure they are equipped with the tools necessary to face the threats of the future. You have a friend in the Congress of the United States of America. I will not back off my commitment."

Pascrell said his fight for more interoperability money is just beginning.

Capt. Jim Hearney of Passaic County Sheriff's Department delved more into the initiative. Hearney said the grant bankrolls the lion's share of the interoperability phase two and starts phase three. The captain said some more funds may be needed, depending on bidding process quotes for hardware. He added he hopes to make headway on the endeavor in the next several months.

According to Hearney, at least a couple million dollars more is needed to complete the third segment. The captain said the interoperability approach is more cost-efficient than doing a countywide mass communications equipment modernization.

"We're leveraging existing technology and everything deployed because we don't have a ton of money."

Passaic County Prosecutor James Avigliano expressed his gratitude to Pascrell and Lautenberg for lining up PCPO interoperability network funds.

"This will be a significant step towards ensuring that first responders in Passaic County will be best prepared to deal with the many dangerous situations that these brave individuals face on a daily basis."

After the conference, Avigliano said the county budget crunch squeezed PCPO could not afford the system on its own. When asked, the prosecutor said the PCPO's forfeiture greenbacks - confiscated from illegal activities - could not foot the immense price tag.

"I wish I had the millions of dollars in forfeiture funds that you think we have."

Avigliano said the strapped PCPO relies on seized cash for many essentials, even office furniture.

"Without the forfeiture money, pack it in," he said, about the agency's operations.