At their
March 3 regular meeting the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Campbell
County Public Safety’s transition to a regional radio system, replacing the
aging stand-alone system currently in use.
Upon review
and ranking of RFPs for individual radio platform options, in comparison to
coverage and costs associated with the regional system, the Board opted for
inclusion on the Regional Radio Board and its L3 Harris P25 system
capabilities. This secured a long-term cost savings for the locality, as well
as expanded coverage in gap areas, better overall functionality and beneficial
signal compatibility with neighboring jurisdictions.
“Joining the
regional radio system will significantly upgrade communications and coverage
for our emergency response teams in the field,” said Tracy Fairchild, Campbell
County Director of Public Safety. “We have frugally used the existing system to
the best of our abilities to keep it operational – however, it’s near the end
of its functionality. The reliability and compatibility of joining the regional
network will give our first responders the updated tools they need to more
effectively and safely serve our residents. We greatly appreciate the Board’s
efforts in supporting this transition.”
To fund this
radio replacement project, the Board of Supervisors authorized staff to proceed
with securing the required low-interest government loans for multiple capital
initiatives, including the Public Safety radio system as well as a Rustburg
Middle School construction project. Capital costs for the radio system
project are slated at approximately $5.9 million, plus annual operating costs.
“Staff and
the Board have committed much time and research to determine the best radio
communication solution to serve our residents’ emergency response needs. The
Board’s decision to join the Regional Radio platform not only moves our Public
Safety communications forward, but also secures a higher quality system for our
volunteers and public safety personnel for years to come,” said Frank
Rogers, Campbell County Administrator. “I am very pleased with our Board’s
continued support and desire to invest in Public Safety initiatives that have a
direct benefit to our citizenry.”
Staff
anticipate the new system’s integration to be complete in 2021.