Windsor-Essex is getting about $1.5-million worth of new emergency communications equipment from a U.S. grant. The new technology will now allow cross-border communication in case of an emergency or disaster. Essex County Emergency Management Coordinator Phil Berthiaume says it's a big boost for safety. "In some cases it (previous equipment) just may not be immediately compatible without some patches to neighbouring municipalities, or in this case cross border," he says. Emergency officials from Canada and the U.S. will be holding a mock exercise Wednesday for a final test of the project, which is five years in the making. Windsor-Essex has received 30 mobile radios compatible with multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. The region also has new equipment for the dispatch centres in Windsor and LaSalle and the University of Windsor for training purposes. Berthiaume says it has been used for the most recent international fireworks and Detroit Freepress Marathon. The $4-million grant comes from Wayne County's Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.
Windsor police close down the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel for several hours as they investigate a suspicious package. (Photo by Jason Viau)
