New portable radios have been distributed to Bethel Fire & EMS and Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company.  After FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant applications were turned down over the years, the departments sought town funding.  The money was approved earlier this year by the Fire Commission and the Boards of Selectmen and Finance.  The equipment was purchased from Utility Communications.  Officials say after some supply chain delays and work to tweak and fine tune the extensive programming, they were finally put into service.  The portable radios replace 16 year old technology, no longer serviceable.  The old equipment also didn't meet the strenuous demands of the fire service.