A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Mark Ihrig: Communication lifeline to First Responders


First responders rely on the County’s emergency communications system to protect the public and for their personal safety.

Ihrig

The communications system is critical infrastructure for public safety and a lifeline for our first responders. This includes the radio system that provides the means to communicate and the 911 Dispatch Center operation which answers 911 calls, dispatches first responders, collects information, provides data and supplies the hardware that supports the mission of our first responders. Our law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management and other public safety agencies all rely on these mission critical services.

Almost two years ago, first responders met with members of the Fiscal Court to discuss deficiencies in the outdated UHF/VHF radio system and the need for enhanced communications across the board.

Judge/Executive Gary Moore and the County Commissioners committed to a study of the system and appointed a steering committee to oversee the project comprised of representatives from three fire districts, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Florence Police, Florence Fire, Emergency Management, 911 Dispatch and county administration.

The steering committee has presented its findings and recommendations to the Court which include the need to enhance the emergency communication system and ensure that it can operate effectively.

The results of an independent consultant’s review of our current communications system identified several areas of concern such as the system’s age, significant coverage gaps in parts of the county, inability to penetrate large buildings, the antiquated technology being utilized, and the inability for law enforcement and fire service to speak to each other directly. Boone County continues to experience population growth resulting in more and more need for law enforcement, fire and EMS responses. Due to the system’s limitations and the growing needs of Boone County, the committee identified the system upgrade and communications support as critical to public safety.

“The ability for agencies to protect the public and our first responders is tied directly to their ability to communicate effectively. We owe it to our community and our emergency personnel to have a system and support structure that provides modern technology and adequate support from the 911 dispatch center,” said committee member Jeff Barlow, Chief of the Burlington Fire Protection District.

According to Major Bill Mark, a committee member and senior officer at the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, “Law enforcement officers rely on their radios and the services at the dispatch center to hear the needs from the public and to call for assistance when required each and every time they wear the uniform. A modern system fully supported by the Communications Center is critical to public safety.”

The Public Safety Communications Steering Committee fully supports the Fiscal Court’s direction in moving forward with the purchase of an 700/800 MHz P25 radio system and fully funding the 911 Emergency Communications Center.

This has been the result of a deliberate, thoughtful and thorough process including first responders, elected officials, multiple county partnerships and the public. The result will enhance public safety and provide a safer environment for our first responders. There is no more important obligation of local government than the health, safety and welfare of the citizens. This outcome once again demonstrates what makes our community so unique and prosperous and will ensure that the public continues to receive the best possible service.

Mark Ihrig is Director of Boone County Emergency Management & Co-Chair of the Public Safety Communications Steering Committee


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