HEATH, Ohio -- The Heath police and fire departments' ability to use only two of three radio channels has city officials looking into replacing the antiquated radio system, the police chief said.
"The worst-case scenario is a police officer grabs a microphone on a portable radio and is not able to transmit because the system is overloaded," Heath police Chief Tony Shepherd said.
He said a new site controller, which works as the system's brain, could cost between $50,000 and $70,000, and three base stations could cost between $15,000 and $45,000.
Each emergency channel has its own base station, Shepherd said.
"We will support whatever their needs are," city council President Jeff Crabill said.
He said officials still have unanswered questions about the prices and options available for replacing the site controller and base stations.
"Will two channels work for the city at the moment? I believe so," Crabill said. "But I don't think it is something you want for a long time."
Shepherd said he expects to receive an estimate for equipment replacement cost from EF Johnson next week. He said he also plans to get an estimate from Motorola.
The existing radio system went online in 1992, and the third base station shut down Monday after it was repaired last week, Shepherd said.
"The worst-case scenario is a police officer grabs a microphone on a portable radio and is not able to transmit because the system is overloaded," Heath police Chief Tony Shepherd said.
He said a new site controller, which works as the system's brain, could cost between $50,000 and $70,000, and three base stations could cost between $15,000 and $45,000.
Each emergency channel has its own base station, Shepherd said.
"We will support whatever their needs are," city council President Jeff Crabill said.
He said officials still have unanswered questions about the prices and options available for replacing the site controller and base stations.
"Will two channels work for the city at the moment? I believe so," Crabill said. "But I don't think it is something you want for a long time."
Shepherd said he expects to receive an estimate for equipment replacement cost from EF Johnson next week. He said he also plans to get an estimate from Motorola.
The existing radio system went online in 1992, and the third base station shut down Monday after it was repaired last week, Shepherd said.
