>> The UHF channels are active here and in Currituck. Fire still in VHF. REL
Dare County Commissioners just approved the joint Dare / Viper system in the beginning of February. Coments I have read by one official mentioned that the combined system "might" be ready by the end of 2009.
With regards to the fire service, officials are encouraging departments to consider purchasing similar radios, to save money by buying in bulk. The Motorola 2500 series radios appear to be the likely candidate. Gately Communications, a local Motorola dealer, has been conducting product presentations for the fire departments.
It appears that the VHF fire system, with UHF remotes, may remain in use for several years ... or until all departments can budget and acquire 800 radios for all their apparatus. Dispatching will continue on VHF.