Logo courtesy of Sutter County

SUTTER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sutter County will receive $1.5 million in federal funding to upgrade public safety communications, allowing first responders across the county to improve coordination during emergencies and large-scale incidents.

The Sutter County Board of Supervisors recently authorized county officials to move forward with the funding, which was awarded through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Oriented Policing Services Technology and Equipment Program. The grant will pay for new public safety radios for law enforcement, fire personnel and other emergency responders.

County officials said the upgraded radios will improve communication between local agencies as well as neighboring counties and regional response partners. The equipment is designed to operate across multiple radio systems, allowing responders to remain connected as communications technology continues to evolve.

"This federal funding will give our first responders a stronger, more reliable way to communicate with one another when it matters most," Sutter County Emergency Operations Manager Zachary Hamill said. "Whether responding to a large-scale disaster or a routine emergency, better communication helps us work together more effectively and ultimately provides better service to the people of Sutter County."

County officials said the investment is particularly important for rural areas, where distance and terrain can make reliable communication more challenging. The upgraded system is expected to strengthen coordinated emergency response throughout the county.

The funding request was developed by the Sutter County Office of Emergency Management and advanced through the federal appropriations process with support from Sen. Alex Padilla's office, which helped secure the $1.5 million allocation. The Board of Supervisors' action allows the county to complete the remaining federal requirements and formally accept the funding.

"Our team has been incredibly successful in securing state and federal grants that allow us to improve services, strengthen public safety and reduce costs for local taxpayers," Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Ziegenmeyer said. "I appreciate the dedication of our staff, the support of my fellow supervisors, and everyone involved in identifying opportunities like this that make a real difference for our community."

County officials expect the radios to be purchased, programmed and placed into service by the end of 2026. Once deployed, the equipment will become part of the county's ongoing effort to modernize emergency communications and provide first responders with reliable tools to serve residents.