(Atlantic) Cass County is taking a measured approach to integrating into the new state-of-the-art digital communications platform.
Cass County Emergency Management Director Mike Kennon says the system is called the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System. He says this is a 700 megahertz P25 standard digital radio communications network. Kennon says the network has the ability to create connectivity for public safety agencies and first responders, as well as providers of public services like power and utilities, public health, and emergency management.
“Emergency response radio communication in Cass County has been somewhat frustrating over the past several years,” stated Kennon.
Kennon says the government dictated a narrow band situation that changed radio systems for law enforcement and fire departments in Cass County.
“We ended up with different systems that we’re working within our county,” said Kennon. “We had responders that couldn’t talk to one another. For instance, firemen couldn’t talk to law enforcement.
This new system will allow for operational radio conversations between law enforcement, fire, and EMS, in the county, with neighboring counties, and across the state.”
The Cass County 911 Service Board purchased and installed equipment last June which allowed limited access to the ISICS system when RAGBRAI came through the county. In addition to that, the board purchased a compatible hand-held radio for each fire department in the County. County law enforcement agencies have been purchasing dual-band radios as their radio equipment needs to be replaced. Kennon says recently, radio units were installed in the Communications Center allowing local law enforcement and fire personnel to talk directly with Cass County dispatchers on local talk groups.
Kennon says every Iowa County has had to make decisions about if and/or how they will utilize the ISICS system. He says many counties have committed millions of dollars to enhance their local coverage, but Cass County has taken a gradual approach adapting to the new system.
