ADIRONDACK EMERGENCY SERVICES
COMMUNICATION TOWER OVERVIEW
Emergency responders in Inlet, Raquette Lake, Big Moose and Eagle Bay have very limited communication tools. Mountains block radio signals creating dead zones within and between each of the communities served. Frequently this makes it difficult to determine the nature and location of the emergency which delays getting help to those in need. Requesting additional manpower, tools and resources on a timely basis is difficult without a good, reliable communication system covering the entire area.
Lack of good communication capabilities also puts our volunteer responders at risk. If called out to an emergency during bad weather or extreme cold, they need to be able to communicate instantly with their home base and each other.
The solution is a centrally located mountain top emergency communications tower serving Inlet, Raquette Lake, Big Moose and Eagle Bay that can reach out broadly to the areas served. This will provide quicker response times for those in need and enhanced safety for our volunteers.
Our Beautiful Mountains Create a Problem
The beautiful Adirondack mountains beckon and entrance us. We love to visit and live in the Adirondacks, hike in the mountains and enjoy the many lakes and streams between them. But the mountains also make radio communication very difficult, blocking signals and creating many dead zones. This can be fun when we wish to enjoy peace and tranquility but creates great problems when we need help. Our volunteer first responders need to be able to receive a call for help and be able to communicate with each other to provide the best response possible.
Our Volunteer Responders
Inlet, Raquette Lake, Big Moose and Eagle Bay are blessed to be served by a cadre of very dedicated volunteer EMS and fire responders. They educate, train and prepare themselves to come to the aid of anyone in the community who needs their help at anytime, day or night, fair weather or even when it is 20 below and snowing. They are a very special group of friends and neighbors, indeed! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
What is Needed?
To solve the communication problem a mountain top radio tower is needed. Fortunately we have several centrally located sites from which to chose to build a tower that will serve all four communities. This will speed response times within each community and provide enhanced back-up from the neighboring communities. This is a win-win all around.
How will this be done?
A joint private/public partnership will provide the funds for the tower project. The need was first identified by the Town of Inlet and a group of citizens. The Tower Team, have been at work since last August to help make this a reality. Both private citizens, the Town of Inlet and the Inlet EMS and Fire have pledged their support for a total of over $100,000 thus far. The projected costs (awaiting the results of an engineering study) are estimated to be in the $300,000 – $350,000 range. Additional support from the Town of Inlet is expected, while support is sought from both Herkimer County and NY state. Additional private support from the communities served will be sought.
The Goal
The goal is to have the tower built and in operation in 2019. Money and various political approvals will be necessary for this to happen.
How Can You Help?
We hope that all who love the Adirondacks will join with us to help build the Tower. It is needed, will benefit many, and is the right thing to do. Cash contributions are easiest. You can make a donation by going to: https://adirondacktower.org/donate/
Many thanks, The Tower Team
Dennis Hudson & Joel Millikan co-chairs,
Paul & Reggie Chambers, John & Sarah Frey, Robin & Bill Hill, Mitch Lee, Herb Schmid, Waddie Kalil, Chris Holt, Charlie Wantman, Ken Biehn, Peter Funk, Charlie Frey, Bonnie Millikan