Letter to the Editor

The leadership of the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) would like to clarify the statements made in last month’s “Eye on Town Government” column that made it appear that we were negligent and purchased the wrong radio equipment. 

As administered by FEMA, the NVFD applied and was awarded funds in 2020 from the “Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program.” This was a joint effort with our neighboring departments, including Norfolk EMS, Winsted EMS, Winsted FD and Winchester FD in order to purchase new portable and vehicle-mounted two-way radios. These will replace our current radios, which are 20 years old. These new radios will be capable of talking with our dispatch center, Litchfield County Dispatch, as well as utilizing the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network, more commonly known as the CT State Police radio network.

In order to utilize this state asset, the Town of Norfolk had to apply for permission to use the system. Subsequently, the NVFD, Norfolk EMS, Norfolk Emergency Management and the Norfolk Public Works Department were given permission, but numerous requirements were set for all users of the radio system. Among these requirements was the purchase of a specific brand of radio designed and tested to safely operate on the radio network. These stipulations were strictly followed by all departments.

However, the new radios came from the factory with an upgraded version of operating software that the State of Connecticut wanted to test on their network for compatibility before allowing the radios to be disseminated and used. For over nine months now, our new radios have sat in boxes while testing is being done by the state. This issue was not limited to Norfolk but affected approximately 5,000 other users statewide who have been patiently waiting along with us. 

The good news is that within the last two weeks we have been told that testing has been completed, and we are looking forward to receiving our new equipment shortly from our vendor.

Jon Barbagallo
Public Information Officer, NVFD