Spaulding Academy & Family Services Leases Land to Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS to Improve Radio Communications
September 16, 2020
Northfield, NH – Spaulding Academy & Family Services (formerly Spaulding Youth Center) has leased 900 square feet of land to Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS for the construction of a 120-foot tower to improve regional portable radio communication. Located in Cutter-Wiggins Field in Northfield, the land was leased for one dollar. The lease is active for ten years with a 40- to 50-year extension option.
The newly installed and operational radio tower features a repeaterized system that receives and transmits radio signals between multiple antennas, allowing for transmittal at much longer distances. The system is expandable, and as weak areas are identified, additional receivers may be added to improve efficiencies.
“For years, we have struggled with dangerous gaps in radio communications due to terrain, technology, and radio frequency challenges,” explains Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS Chief Michael Sitar, Jr. “This radio communications tower has greatly improved safety and responsivity for our residents and personnel. We are grateful to Spaulding Academy & Family Services, including its Board of Directors, for being such a generous community partner.”
Previously, there were “dead” spots throughout the region, including within the public schools, when Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS personnel used portable radios, which is the preferred communication device once they leave their vehicles. Unfortunately, radio signals from portable radios are not meant for communicating over longer distances and so can be ineffective. The repeater greatly increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS’ portable radio communications which provides significant positive impacts on overall communication in the field. Spaulding Academy & Family Services is centrally located in the Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS service area, and the land selected for the tower provides the elevation necessary to eliminate ineffective radio transmissions.
“We are pleased to support such an important community safety initiative,” shared Roger Bolduc, Support Services Director, Spaulding Academy & Family Services. “We invite other municipal agencies to access the location for their own radio communication needs, at no cost.”
The tower’s antennas are available for use by additional local law enforcement and municipal agencies that use radio communication, such as the Department of Public Works. These agencies may supply their equipment at the tower to improve their radio reception and are welcome to contact Bolduc at (603) 286-8901 for details.
For more information about Spaulding Academy & Family Services and its comprehensive special education services, visit SpauldingServices.org. Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS is online at www.tnfd.org.
About Spaulding Academy & Family Services
Spaulding Academy & Family Services is a leading provider of educational, residential, therapeutic and community based programs and services for families, and children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning or developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and those who have experienced significant trauma, abuse or neglect. Established in 1871, Spaulding Academy & Family Services is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was formerly known as Spaulding Youth Center since 1958. Our scenic hilltop campus is located on over 500 acres in Northfield, NH and welcomes boys and girls from ages 4 to 21 from around the state of New Hampshire and beyond. In addition to programs provided on our Northfield campus, Spaulding’s community based programs include foster family licensing, Individual Service Option (ISO) foster care, ISO in-home services, child health support services, and more for children ages 0 to 20 and their family. For information about Spaulding Academy & Family Services, visit www.SpauldingServices.org.
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