Nassau County Legislator Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck) joined with Nassau County Fire Commissioner Andrew DeMartin to announce the formation of a seven-member committee to serve as a facilitator between the county and local municipalities as Nassau County converts to a new radio system that would allow village, town and county first responders to better communicate.

The new radio system has stirred some debate due to the fact that Nassau County Police officials want to place 24 transmitters on locally-owned water towers across the county. Several municipal groups are reluctant to allow the county to install the new transmitters. The county's current system is antiquated and has "dead zones" with no service at all. According to Legislator Altmann, the committee's primary objective will be to arrive at some agreements and understanding regarding the use of water district properties for the implementation of the new radio equipment.

"This committee of facilitators will function to bring all the parties together in agreement for the safety and welfare of the public," Altmann said.

According to Fire Commissioner DeMartin, the seven members of the committee have been selected because of their sensitivity towards small government entities and their understanding of the necessity of a new county wide public safety radio system.

"I trust that the committee will exercise good judgment when discussing the ongoing negotiations and that they will come to the table in good faith for the betterment of Nassau County residents," DeMartin said.

"Let us not forget the hundreds of lives that were lost on 9-11 when radio communication failed among first responders. Nassau County has a responsibility to make sure that our first responders have the best safety equipment available," Altmann said.

The proposed members for facilitating committee are:

Edward Horace, NCPD Inspector

Peter Meade, Assistant Chief Fire Marshal for Fire Rescue Services

James Callahan, commissioner of OEM

Warren Tackenberg, president Nassau County Village Officials Association

Richard Bivone, president of the Nassau County Chambers of Commerce

Andrew DeMartin, chairman of NC Fire Commission

Phil Molloy, Former chairman of NC Fire Commission