Fire trucks sat perched in the driveway leading up to Independence Hill, but as the first ladder truck prepared to approach the intersection across the street, an antenna affixed to it triggered a silent signal -- a green light for the first responders' chosen path and a red light for everyone else. The caravan stopped.
Local fire departments and ambulance companies will soon be aided by a sophisticated global positioning system pre-emption device, a system designed to trigger traffic signals and allow better access for emergency vehicles -- a feat made possible with the help of 32 U.S. Department of Defense satellites.
The small trigger devices will be installed on electrical boxes at all intersections across the township and about 450 fire trucks and ambulances will be equipped with antennas over the next nine months as part of the project, which will start in the Mastic/Shirley area. Brookhaven will be the first municipality on Long Island to move ahead with such technology, according to town officials. The system has been previously used in Broward County, N.C., with much success, officials said.
"We are looking to get this installed as quickly as possible," said Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton), who was joined by first responders from area departments and members of the Brookhaven Town Board to make the announcement.
Mr. Bishop said the system will make it easier for private vehicles to get out of the way and not hinder first responders from doing their job. The technology, which is called Opticom GPS pre-emption system, will be funded by $2.4 million in grant money from the federal government and $600,000 in funding from the Town of Brookhaven, he said. The federal portion of the money was allocated back in 1998, but was never utilized because the road project it was dedicated to was abandoned, he said. But Mr. Bishop and town officials realized those funds would be rescinded if they were not committed to another project, so they worked to move the project forward, he said.
Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko said the devices are important from a pubic safety standpoint. Just this past weekend, Mr. Lesko said, he witnessed firsthand in Rocky Point the confusion that can transpire when an emergency vehicle is on a call. It can be very dangerous for the first responders and the public if they are unaware that the vehicles have been activated, he said.
"We need to get this rolled out quickly," he said.
Sixth District Councilman Keith Romaine, the town board's liaison to the fire service, also supported the implementation of the devices.
"Every second counts, every minute counts," he said.
Gordon Heights Fire Commissioner Philip Gordon said he believes the system will work out for the local ambulance companies and fire departments.
Frank Guarino, former fire chief of the Hagerman Fire Department, said the system will enable first responders to access emergency scenes in a much safer and more orderly fashion. Many motorists don't stop for emergency vehicles, he explained, because they are not aware.
"There's too many accidents and there doesn't have to be," Mr. Guarino said.
peggy@northshoresun.com