Mathews County Sheriff April Edwards had nothing but good news for the Mathews Board of Supervisors during the board’s Sept. 18 meeting.
Edwards told the board during public comment period that after years of planning, spending money, and meeting with disappointment, the county finally has a functioning emergency radio system.
The only people who aren’t happy, she said, are those with old, archaic scanners who can no longer listen to emergency communications. She said a special scanner is now required. She then put out a call to all deputies and asked for a check-in, and the communications came through, loud and clear.
“It’s been a long time coming,” she said.
Edwards said she had also been awarded two grants by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, one for $150,000 and another for $200,000, which together will cover the cost of a new software system that will be compatible with both the fire department and rescue squad. No local match is required, she said.
Finally, Edwards...