New York Legislation Aimed at Fire Radio Jammers

Two suburban New York congressmen are co-sponsoring a law targeting those who interfere with emergency responder radio signals.

Democratic Rep. Steve Israel and Republican Rep. Peter King say they will introduce the bill in Congress this week.

The legislation follows the arrest last year of a man suspected of jamming radio frequencies for the Melville Fire Department on Long Island. The suspect is facing a state charge of obstructing governmental administration.

A fire official says the suspect was interfering with radio signals for months. He says there were no injuries as a result, but firefighters had to sometimes switch frequencies during emergencies.

King and Israel want a law that would bring 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The case against the Melville suspect is pending.