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Both fire and police departments in Syracuse are seeking additional funds for their operations after cuts from the COVID-19 fiscal crisis.
Michael Monds says the view from the cameras are essential.
"To allow our firefighters to search buildings for trapped occupants and to search for hidden fire when there’s no visibility from this grant."
The city fire department's current cameras are reaching the end of their useful life. Monds spoke to city lawmakers today during a Common Council Study Session. He says money for the replacement cameras was cut from the department's budget as part of the city's contingency plans. The grant has a 10 percent local matching funds component which could save the city thousands.