Kiggans Visits Franklin-Southampton EMS to Present Federal Funding for Radio Upgrades

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: This week, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) visited the Franklin-Southampton Emergency Services (EMS) Division to learn how the $400,000 she secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bills will be used to upgrade the division’s radio system and improve interoperability within the Hampton Roads region. Currently, the City of Franklin and County of Southampton rely on an analog radio system. The funding Congresswoman Kiggans secured will go towards the purchase of a digital radio system, leading to increased, reliable communication for emergency services. 

During her visit, the Congresswoman met with staff of the Franklin-Southampton EMS Division and staff of the City of Franklin to learn about how the radio upgrades will benefit EMS, fire, police, and school systems across the region. Additionally, she took a tour of the Franklin-Southampton EMS Division facility and presented a check to local officials. City of Franklin Mayor Bobby Cutchin, City of Franklin Deputy Police Chief Robert Porti, Southampton County Sheriff Josh Wyche Sr., Franklin Fire & Rescue Chief of Emergency Services Vernie Francis III, and additional local officials joined Congresswoman Kiggans on the visit.

“I am incredibly thankful for our first responders and the work they do to protect and serve our communities,” said Congresswoman Kiggans.“Reliable radio is critical for our Western Tidewater region and for the emergency services that ensure the safety of the residents here in Hampton Roads. I am proud to bring home these tax dollars for Franklin and the County of Southampton to ensure our first responders have the resources needed to keep our community safe!”

Pictures from this week’s visit can be found here.

BACKGROUND: 

Congresswoman Kiggans secured $16,755,000 for 12 local projects across Southeast Virginia in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which was signed into law on March 9, 2024. More information about this project can be found below:

City of Franklin Radio System: $400,000

• Countless critical services in the Western Tidewater region, as well as its abundant agricultural industry, depends on reliable radio. Congresswoman Kiggans secured funding for this project to provide increased, reliable communication between the City of Franklin and the County of Southampton. This will lead to greater interoperability within the Hampton Roads region as well as the Counties of Sussex and Surry for law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel. 

Additional details about the other projects Congresswoman Kiggans secured in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, can be found here.

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