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

2. 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).

3. 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).

4. 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).

5. 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Deficiencies of the outdated UHF/VHF radio system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In 2015, members of the first responders highlighted their plea on the deficiencies of the outdated system thus met with the members of the Fiscal court to evaluate the highlighted deficiencies within the system. the UHF/VHF radio system was identified as being outdated thus highlighting the need of incorporating new communication device (Ihrig, 2017).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.

6. 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Outdated system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The committee presented its findings to the fiscal court whereby it was identified that the communication system was outdated, thus deterred effective communication.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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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).

11. 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).

12. Reference
Ihrig, M. (2017). Column: communication is lifeline for first responders. Cincinnati.Com. Retrieved 13 april 2017, from (Ihrig, 2017) county/2017/04/09/column-communication-lifeline-first- responders/ /