The regional video conferencing project was made possible through the 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The total awarded for this regional project was just over $1.3 million and was shared by 16 communities including the City of Novi Fire Department. The Novi Fire Department received a grant allocations of $95,926 for the equipment and installation.

The video conferencing will be utilized at all four Novi Fire Stations to provide conferencing, including training, meetings, daily briefs, and when necessary emergency management. The ability to video conference will enable firefighters to remain at their on-call stations, saving money and enhancing productivity. In the future, it is expected that the system will have the ability to connect with 56 other fire stations in four counties under the regional approach.

"Ongoing training is imperative for fire safety officers, but until now, it required taking staff out of their stations to attend off-site sessions," said Frank Smith, Novi Fire Chief. "With this video conferencing system, training can be brought directly to staff, making effective use of time and resources.”