BCES Activates New Digital Radio System
Release from the Benton County Emergency Services
RICHLAND, Wash. -- Clear, reliable communication, that saves lives.
In the early hours of Wednesday, August 11, as most of Benton County slept, Benton County Emergency Services (BCES) completed the upgrade of its aging communications system. BCES made a seamless switch from an analog 800MHz radio system to a P25 Digital radio system.
The digital radio system will improve communication coordination and the clarity of signals. "The digital radio system is going to take us into the future," says Jim Barber, manager of the Southeast Communications Center (SECOMM) in Richland. "The direction we have gone is also in keeping with the spirit of SECOMM's mission to provide a superior level of service to its customers, both public safety responders and Benton County residents and visitors."
Switching to digital has several advantages. We will see better overall signal quality in our existing coverage area. Voice and audio quality improves dramatically, with little or no background static, something that can be critical to the outcome of an emergency incident.
Infrastructure has also been upgraded. New sites have been built at Sillusi Butte, Golgotha Butte and Rattlesnake Mountain. New towers were installed at those sites, along with buildings to house the digital equipment. New equipment was installed at three additional sites.
The three-year project also included an upgrade of console equipment at SECOMM.
The new digital system has more than 1,000 subscribers. Agencies involved in the switchover include Richland Police, West Richland Police, Kennewick Police, Prosser Police, Pasco Police and the Benton County Sheriff's Office, as well as Benton Public Utilities, Benton County Public Works, the Benton County Jail, Prosser Ambulance and Areva.
"The transition was only possible because of the excellent teamwork displayed by all project members and customers," says Barber. "We appreciate the cooperation and partnership that all member agencies, consultants and contractors have demonstrated and look forward to the exciting possibilities that the new P25 system affords."
For more information on the digital switchover, contact Benton County Emergency Services at (509) 628-2600.
