In a major step toward modernizing the region’s emergency response infrastructure, federal and local officials gathered Tuesday afternoon at Guthrie City Hall to announce a $1,407,000 grant dedicated to the 911 Center and Logan County radio rehabilitation. The presentation, held before a gallery of Guthrie police officers and firefighters, is an effort to replace aging communication equipment that officials say is vital to public safety.
City Manager Eddie Faulkner opened the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of securing external funding for large-scale infrastructure projects to protect the local budget. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our infrastructure and our equipment without placing the entire burden on our local taxpayers, and federal grants are a huge part of that,” Faulkner said.
For the first responders in attendance, the upgrade represents more than just new hardware; it is a fundamental shift in operational capability. Police Chief Don Sweger detailed how the current system’s limitations have begun to impact daily operations.
“To put this in perspective, our current radio system and communication equipment have been reaching the end of their service life,” Chief Sweger said. “In emergency services, seconds matter. Having reliable, state-of-the-art communication isn’t just a luxury; it’s a matter of officer safety and public safety.”
Sweger further noted that the $1.4 million investment will allow for seamless communication during multi-jurisdictional responses, ensuring that Guthrie officers and dispatchers can coordinate with neighboring agencies without technical delays. The funding is specifically earmarked for the modernization of the 911 dispatch center and the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Logan County radio network.
U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, who was instrumental in navigating the grant through the federal appropriations process, highlighted the human element behind the technical overhaul. “One of the best parts of my job is being able to advocate for the needs of our local communities in Washington,” Bice said. “Our police officers put their lives on the line every day, and the very least we can do is ensure they have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively and return home safely to their families.”
Bice added that supporting first responders remains a top priority, noting that Guthrie’s project stood out for its direct, tangible impact on the safety of Oklahomans. The modernization project is expected to begin in the coming months, providing a much-needed upgrade to the Central Communications Center’s capabilities.
“We truly appreciate your advocacy for Guthrie and for all of District Five. This is a great day for our city,” Faulkner said in the closing remarks.
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