The College has been awarded a grant for Public Safety upgrades
BETHLEHEM, PA – Northampton Community College (NCC) Department of Public Safety received $50,000 in grant funding through PA State Representative Joe Emerick’s office to support Public Safety upgrades. This funding will enable NCC’s Department of Public Safety to replace current end-of-life radio equipment and implement a new radio system. It will also support the acquisition of a radio repeater, ensuring clear and reliable communication across all three campus locations—an essential component of maintaining a safe and responsive environment for students, faculty, and staff.
The Department of Public Safety relies on a two-way radio communication system to ensure continuous coordination among officers serving its three locations. Reliable radio communication is essential to maintaining a secure campus environment, especially during large scale events, such as commencement, guest speakers, and conferences.
NCC utilizes radio repeater systems at each campus, which are critical infrastructure components that receive radio transmissions and rebroadcast them at higher power from elevated locations. This process significantly extends signal range and overcomes interference caused by terrain, distance, and building construction materials such as concrete and steel. Without functional repeater systems, portable radios would experience limited range and frequent dead zones—particularly in basements, interior corridors, and remote areas of campus. Such communication gaps could delay emergency response and compromise officer safety.
“We are very grateful for Rep. Emrick’s continued support for the College and his commitment to campus safety. Seamless, uninterrupted radio connectivity is especially critical during emergency incidents and coordinated multi-campus responses, severe weather situations, and daily public safety operations,” said Executive Director, Government Relations & Public Safety, Keith Morris.
About Northampton Community College
Founded in 1967, Northampton Community College (NCC) serves more than 20,000 students annually through degree, workforce training, and community education programs. Committed to access and student success, NCC provides innovative, high-quality learning experiences that prepare students to enter or advance in the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions. With an enduring commitment to the regional communities it serves, NCC remains a vital workforce pipeline and community partner. For more information or to apply, please visit northampton.edu. Follow NCC on LinkedIn, Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege, TikTok @NorthamptonCC, and Facebook.
