U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) announced Wednesday that the Bryan County Fire Department will receive a $1 million grant as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

Bryan County Emergency Service Director Jim Anderson said the money will go toward a much-needed 800 megahertz radio system.

He said it will enable Bryan County firefighters to communicate via radio with Chatham and Effingham counties.

"During the recent wildfires here, we had a response crew coming in from Effingham and Chatham, but we were unable to establish radio contact," said Anderson. "This grant will give the means necessary to be able to talk to emergency crews all down the I-95 corridor and all nearby jurisdictions."

Anderson said the grant also will increase the efficiency for firefighting in Southeast Georgia.

Bryan County Administrator Phil Jones said state officials want every emergency management agency in Georgia on the 800 megahertz system, enabling every county in Georgia to have radio contact with each other.

"This will absolutely help us in times of emergencies," Jones said. "Many counties support each other during fires and other disasters and, by having a common frequency base, there is no question that this will have immediate effects to our emergency personnel and to the residents of Bryan County."