Homeland Security Check Benefits Kentucky's First Responders

Governor Ernie Fletcher presented a $240,214 ceremonial homeland security check to the city of Ashland to provide mobile data computers for local first responders. The grant will pay for approximately 24 of the computers, which will be installed in response vehicles.

"Ensuring the safety and security of Kentuckians is one of my administration's top priorities," said Governor Fletcher. "Effective communication is essential to our public safety personnel to help us prevent crime and respond to emergencies."

Mobile data computers are a rapidly emerging technology tool for first responders. They enable responders to quickly send and receive critical and timely reports and provide an added means of communication.

Sixty-nine percent of the discretionary funding distributed by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security this year has been invested in enhanced communications for Kentucky's first responders and 9-1-1 upgrades. That includes $6.47 million for mobile data computers.

Since 2004, Ashland and Boyd County have benefited from more than $984,000 in state homeland security funds.