Thomaston, CT - Thomaston looks to replace emergency radio system

[Thunderbolt]

THOMASTON, Conn. — Public safety was the focus at a hearing Thursday on a proposed townwide communications project that would bring local first responders into the 21st century.

Thomaston looks to replace emergency radio system Republican American

[kjczarzasty]

With current budgetary constraints you can imagine a $3.97 million radio system is a difficult line item to pass with the taxpayers. Truth is the towns people have been very supportive throughout the process we hope they will continue to support us when it goes to vote. There have been many instances where the current vintage low band system has failed at critical moments luckily so far no one has been injured or worse yet.... and the yet is only a matter of time. Parts for the current system are nearly non existent, we spent almost 6 months on the lower power back up base for the fire and ems while radio service scoured the country for the parts to repair the main. This caused multiple problems alerting and communicating with the volunteer fire department and volunteer ambulance service as it opened up many new dead zones throughout the town.
Unfortunately it is a problem becoming all to common throughout the country with money being tight,people unemployed, no one wants to see a rise in taxes but as the police chief said at the town meeting this system is not just a want, it is a vital need for the safety of all the residents because if the call for help and dispatch can not reach the town's emergecy responders, help will not come.

[cg]

The system didn't fail overnight. The department heads should be brought to task for failing to properly plan with capital budgets over the last 10+ years. Unfortunately, radios are mostly ignored until they do fail. It would make me wonder how the rest of the capital items are replaced (police, fire, & EMS vehicles, SCBA, weapons, buildings, etc)
Sounds like they need new department heads along with the radios.

chris

[APX7500X2]

Originally Posted by kjczarzasty

. Parts for the current system are nearly non existent, we spent almost 6 months on the lower power back up base for the fire and ems while radio service scoured the country for the parts to repair the main. This caused multiple problems alerting and communicating with the volunteer fire department and volunteer ambulance service as it opened up many new dead zones throughout the town.

Um For 10k you could have gotten a brand new 100 watt Daniels Low Band Base station/repeater and been back on the air in a week.
That planning would have kept you good for the few years it will take to buy and install a new system.
Your radio company should have told you that