Stevensville's Town Council meeting on April 27, 2025, highlighted critical discussions surrounding the town's emergency communication capabilities, particularly for fire response teams. Council members addressed significant challenges faced during a recent fire incident, where communication failures between different elevations hindered effective coordination.

The fire chief reported that during the emergency, radio communication was lost between teams positioned at the top and bottom of a hill, underscoring the urgent need for improved communication tools. This incident prompted a proposal to acquire new radios at a cost-effective rate, significantly lower than previous estimates for similar equipment.

The council discussed the potential for securing federal grants to fund the purchase of these radios. The fire chief noted that collaborating with experienced grant writers could enhance their chances of obtaining necessary funding. This partnership is expected to streamline the grant application process, leveraging past successes in acquiring essential firefighting equipment.

In addition to the radio acquisition, the council explored the logistics of distributing the radios among departments, initially believing there were only 14 radios available. However, it was clarified that 27 radios would be needed to ensure adequate coverage and communication for all teams.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a proactive approach by the Stevensville Town Council to enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities. As the council moves forward with these initiatives, the community can anticipate improved emergency communication systems that will better support local fire response efforts.