Niagara County breaks ground on final countywide emergency communications tower

Submitted by the Niagara County Public Information Office

Niagara County Sheriff Mike Filicetti and Niagara County Legislature Chairman Mike Hill joined local officials and first responders on Tuesday to break ground on the final emergency communications tower in Niagara County’s countywide public safety communications upgrade project.

The groundbreaking marks a major milestone in the county’s 11-year effort to modernize and expand its emergency communications infrastructure, strengthening radio coverage and improving the reliability of communications for law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies across Niagara County.

“Reliable communications are one of the most critical tools first responders have,” Filicetti said. “When someone calls 911, they expect us to communicate seamlessly and respond without delay. This tower helps ensure we can meet that expectation.”

The approximately $2.3 million project is supported through a combination of funding sources, including a New York State Interoperable Communications Grant, Niagara County 911 funds, and a $1 million federal appropriation secured through Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s office. Construction of the tower is being completed by Patriot Towers, a New York-based company specializing in telecommunications infrastructure.

The new tower will significantly improve radio coverage, particularly inside buildings, throughout the eastern portion of Niagara County.

“When someone calls 911 from Youngstown to Gasport, Niagara Falls to Lockport, they shouldn’t have to wonder whether the signal will reach the people coming to help them,” Hill said.

The communications system represents years of planning and collaboration among numerous county departments, state and federal partners, engineers, contractors and public safety agencies.

Work on the countywide communications upgrade began in 2015 and is expected to be completed next year with the construction of this final tower.

“It is an investment that may never receive much attention on a typical day – but when someone’s worst day of days arrives, this infrastructure can make all the difference between life or death – literally,” Hill said.

Once complete, the countywide system will provide more reliable communications across Niagara County, enhancing interoperability between emergency agencies and helping ensure first responders have dependable radio coverage wherever emergencies occur.

“This tower is more than another structure on the landscape. It is a symbol of our commitment to protecting our communities, supporting our first responders, and ensuring that every emergency call is backed by dependable communications when it matters most,” Filicetti said.