GUEST POST: Police, Fire Department transition to new radio system

By George Johnston

 Benicia’s police and fire departments have transitioned to a new radio system, according to the city’s weekly newsletter.
   The switch to a new radio system came after the police and fire department secured funding from Measure C-- a revenue initiative approved by Benicia voters in 2014 that set aside $4 million for projects that would improve the quality of life for Benicians-- to make this change possible. The old system was replaced with the East Bay Regional Communications System Authority, a network of communications systems throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties and based in Dublin. The goal of EBRCSA is to operate a P25 compliant communications system for the public agencies within both counties. The inclusion of Benicia took about a year to go into full effect. The million-dollar project would not have been possible without the support of the community both departments said in the newsletter.
   In other Benicia happenings, the city’s Human Resources Department is taking applications for a paramedic firefighter position, which can be found online at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/benicia/default.cfm and returned to the Human Resources Department at City Hall, located at 250 East L St. Also, this Thursday at 6:30 p.m., the Benicia Public Library is having a sleepover, and teddy bears, stuffed animals and their like are all welcome. Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to let their teddy bears and stuffed animals spend the night at the library. The next, morning library staff will allow children to see what shenanigans stuffed animals can get up to at night when their owners are asleep. The Library is located at 150 East L St.
   For other items in this week’s “City of Benicia This Week” newsletter, visit ci.benicia.ca.us/citymanager.