Communication is lifeline for first responders Student’s Name University Affiliation Professor’s name Date

Emergency communication Provides a life line for first responders Critical infrastructure for public safety The radio system as a means of communication Enhances public safety. According to Ihrig, 2017, Boone county emergency communications system is the lifeline in protecting both the public and their personal safety. The communication system is a critical infrastructure to the first responders based on the fact that it enables them to retort with the use of a the radio system as a communication tool (Ihrig, 2017).

Emergency communication system Responding to 911 calls First responders dispatched Collection of information Provision of data and supplies to support the first responders. The emergency communication process entails responding to distress calls before the first responders can be dispatched. Significantly, vital information has to be collected to provide the responders with the required materials that will support their mission (Ihrig, 2017).

Agencies Law enforcement Emergency medical services (EMS) Fire service Emergency management Public safety agencies The highlighted agencies rely on the mission critical services that facilitate efficient communication. The process of communication between the affected and the responders is fundamental to ensure timely response thus enhance the ability to deal with the situation at hand (Ihrig, 2017).

Communication devices Deficiencies of the outdated UHF/VHF radio system Need for better communication devices Efficient communication tools enhance better communication In 2015, members of the first responders highlighted their plea on the deficiencies of the outdated system thus met with the members of the Fiscal court to evaluate the highlighted deficiencies within the system. the UHF/VHF radio system was identified as being outdated thus highlighting the need of incorporating new communication device (Ihrig, 2017). Therefore, a committee was appointed to study on the system, an aspect directed towards identifying any existing deficiencies.

Findings and recommendations Enhancement of the communication system Re-engineering to ensure it can work effectively Outdated system Coverage gaps in different parts of the county The committee presented its findings to the fiscal court whereby it was identified that the communication system was outdated, thus deterred effective communication. They proposed re-engineering of the system to enhance better communication (Ihrig, 2017). Notably, coverage gaps were identified in different parts of the county.

Findings and recommendations Inability to penetrate large apartments Antiquated Technology  Inability of the fire service and the law enforcement to communicate directly Additional shortcomings were identified including the fact that the law enforcement officers and the fire fighters could not speak directly to each other while using the system (Ihrig, 2017). This was a major hindrance in the attempt to ensure that the first time responders have adequate information.

Challenges Population growth Public safety First responder safety Growing needs of Boone County Due to the limitations associated with the system, more challenges were to be encountered based on the fact that the population was continually increasing. Notably, the limitations of the system was a major set back in enhancing safety for both the public and the first time responders (Ihrig, 2017). Therefore, the system upgrade was a critical requirement to enhance effective communication.

System upgrade To protect the public Guarantee safety of both the responders and the public Incorporation of modern technology Adequate support from the 911 dispatcher According to Jeff Barlow, chief of Burlington Fire Protection District, the ability of the first responders to protect the public and guarantee safety is tied directly to efficient communication (Ihrig, 2017). Therefore, system upgrade should incorporate new technology to ensure adequate support from the 911 dispatcher.

Need for System upgrades Law enforcement dependence on the radio Reliance on the dispatch center Calling for assistance Provision of public safety According to Major Bill Mark, senior officer at the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, police officers highly rely on the radios and dispatch center to know the needs of the community. Significantly, the communication system enhances their ability to call fro assistance when necessary. Thus, a modern system that is supported by the communication center is fundamental for public safety (Ihrig, 2017).

System upgrades solutions Purchase of an 700/800 MHz P25 Radio System Funding 911 emergency communication center The public safety committee supported the decision for additional upgrades in the communication system. Essentially, the local government is obligated with the responsibility to ensure public safety and welfare of the citizens. essentially, this can be attained by providing better services to the public (Ihrig, 2017).

Reference Ihrig, M. (2017). Column: communication is lifeline for first responders. Cincinnati.Com. Retrieved 13 april 2017, from (Ihrig, 2017) http://www.Cincinnati.Com/story/news/local/boone- county/2017/04/09/column-communication-lifeline-first- responders/100266706/