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Press Release
Ed Figueroa was recently recognized for his exemplary service in transforming the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and its partner, Clay County EMS, into the future with the powerful statewide VIPER radio system. His extraordinary knowledge of radio systems, innovative research, and purchasing prowess made this transition possible. New radio equipment for this transition retailed for $391,825.13, making this transition seemingly impossible.
With intensive research and his country-wide contacts, Ed was able to precure 67 practically new hand-held and in-car radios. These radios were left over from routine upgrades by large law enforcement agencies as well as the military and have decades of remaining useful service. Ed was able to equip the Sheriff’s Office and EMS with VIPER hand-held and in-car radios and accessories for $105,282.43, a savings of $286,542.70. These savings alone made the transition to the VIPER system possible.
Most counties in North Carolina have been striving to make this transition due to the range, clarity, and officer safety as well as all tower maintenance costs being covered by the state. Clay County is one of a very few western North Carolina counties that has successfully made this transition. The Clay Sheriff’s Office will be eternally grateful to Communication Specialist Ed Figueroa.