FFX Fire 43L and 43M

johnrockie

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Jul 15, 2011
Messages
18
Fairfax County Fire has begun using encrypted radio channels for incidents with the following event types, associated with acts of violence:
  • Shooting
  • Stabbing
  • Assault with a weapon
  • Standby for barricade situations
It appears that when these incidents are dispatched, 43L and 43M will be voiced during the automated dispatch. Both channels are Advanced Digital Privacy (ADP) encrypted, ensuring that only NOVA region portable and mobile radios can transmit and receive.

Although I understand the nature of these incidents and why they should be encrypted, should we start worrying about what the future holds for open encryption in the NOVA region?
 

LeSueurC

IBEW Local 50
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Joined
Nov 6, 2014
Messages
1,319
Location
James City Co, VA
Fairfax County Fire has begun using encrypted radio channels for incidents with the following event types, associated with acts of violence:
  • Shooting
  • Stabbing
  • Assault with a weapon
  • Standby for barricade situations
It appears that when these incidents are dispatched, 43L and 43M will be voiced during the automated dispatch. Both channels are Advanced Digital Privacy (ADP) encrypted, ensuring that only NOVA region portable and mobile radios can transmit and receive.

Although I understand the nature of these incidents and why they should be encrypted, should we start worrying about what the future holds for open encryption in the NOVA region?
Geez only ADP and not AES?
 

TJX400

Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
313
I wouldn't be too concerned at this time. The majority of LE ops are clear, so Fire going encrypted full time seems to be a very distant concern. I guess it's always a possibility, but I wouldn't loose sleep over the slim possibility right now.
 

Hbright

Active Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Messages
1,344
Has anyone figured out the TGID for 43M? It’s not in the database, but I’m wonder if someone’s identified it now that they use it more often.
 

jm3000

Newbie
Joined
Dec 8, 2020
Messages
3
Noticed this morning that the automated dispatch for a shooting, did not include the the talkgroup in the dispatch.
 

Hbright

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Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Messages
1,344
Noticed this morning that the automated dispatch for a shooting, did not include the the talkgroup in the dispatch.
That’s because it was a SWATing call and the info was coming through the non-emergency line. Notice also that it was dispatched for a 426 box but the address in 421’s. Definitely confused the CAD.

There was also a shooting call this morning that was dispatched on 4B, the dispatcher came over 4A once the automated part was done and advised units to switch to 43L.
 

Hbright

Active Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Messages
1,344
Does anyone know if the 46 Zone is AES or ADP? I’m beginning to think none of the COG fireside radios have AES.
 

Hbright

Active Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Messages
1,344
Screenshot 2025-05-06 at 23.04.44.png
43L E is TG 1178. Not sure about 43M E. I assume they're now AES, instead of the previous ADP on *43L E.
 
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