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News Release

04-05-24 Building Capacity With Our Emergency Radio Communication System (Photo) - 04/05/24

Joint Release: Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 5, 2024

Building Capacity with our Emergency Radio Communication System

(Douglas County, Ore.) Providing support, funding and resources for our public safety programs has always been a top priority for our Douglas County Commissioners.  Public safety comprises multiple disciplines across all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, as well as interactions with citizens, requiring integrated operations to communicate, respond and assist residents.  Our public safety mission at the County begins with Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the 9-1-1 Communications Dispatch Center, who work in concert with over 55 local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service agencies to serve and protect our citizens.  An often overlooked component of the County’s public safety program is our Emergency Radio Communications System (ERCS), which is managed by the Douglas County Radio Division under the direction of Douglas County IT & Radio Director Nancy Laney and the Douglas County Information Technology Department. The ERCS, often referred to as our Legacy Radio System, is a vital public safety link between our 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatch Center and our local first responders providing critical, time-sensitive, and life-saving communications countywide. 

Let’s face it, most Douglas County residents don’t spend their days thinking about emergency radio communication systems, nor do they realize they are there. That is until they need to make an emergency call to 9-1-1.  It is at that point that citizens are thankful that we have an extensive radio communications system in place for 9-1-1 communications specialists to dispatch calls to our first responders out in the field.   

Given our rugged topography supplying effective communications to our large network of first responders from sea level to the 9,182-foot crest of Mt. Thielsen through swooping valleys, up steep terrain, and along our cadre of winding rivers has always provided a challenge.  Our current VHF simulcast conventional analog ERCS system with 19 relay transmitting towers strategically located across our county was the pinnacle of technology back in the 1990’s.  But just as time keeps ticking, advancements in technology continue to outpace annual budgets.  The Commissioners and current Radio & IT staff inherited an outdated 30-year-old ERCS system when they came on board at the County.  An engineering report from 2018 estimated that it would cost approximately $15-20 million to completely replace the aging ERCS system; a price tag that was definitely not feasible within our budget constraints unless we acquired outside support.  Realizing that we must prioritize building capacity for and maintaining public safety communications systems that continue to meet the ever-increasing needs of serving and protecting our citizens, the Commissioners, Sheriff Hanlin, IT Director Laney and Douglas County Management and Finance Department Director Dan Wilson worked together to develop a strategic plan for ongoing maintenance and repairs, while steadfastly researching and applying for as many grants and funding opportunities as possible to upgrade our Legacy Radio System.

“With the budgetary support of our three Commissioners and support and grants from Oregon Emergency Management, State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), and Congressional Directed Spending opportunities, we have made significant strides in upgrading critical components of our ERCS. These steps will be crucial for laying the groundwork for the next phase of our radio system overhaul,” stated IT & Radio Director, Nancy Laney. 

Working collaboratively with Sheriff Hanlin and other key partners in the emergency response sector was crucial during plan development.  With a plan in place and secured funding via grants and County funds totaling over $6.6 million, Douglas County has spent the last four years strategically initiating phase one of our comprehensive upgrade to our Legacy Radio System.  The nature of our outdated radio technology necessitated a phased approach, starting with foundational upgrades necessary for the modernization of our radio transmitters to a digital format. This included updating our analog microwave, direct current (DC) power systems and a complete replacement of our 9-1-1 dispatch center paging system, which were not compatible with the advances in technology that are required for a digital emergency radio system.

“The completion of phase one of our ERCS upgrade is an important milestone and highlights our commitment to public safety in Douglas County,” commented Commissioner Tom Kress.  “The upgraded system will not only provide enhanced communications every day but will also improve communication with responding partners in the event of a large-scale emergency. Without that, lives could be lost. This is an important step for public safety as we continue to meet new challenges every day.”

Completed phase one upgrades to our Legacy Radio System include upgraded microwave electronics at all 19 relay transmitting towers (which increases our system capacity and is a pre-requisite for future radio system upgrades); replacement of backup power batteries at 14 towers; replacement of GPS timing components at 17 towers; replacement of 5 generators; and upgrading DC power system to increase capacity at 2 towers.  We are currently in the process of completing backup power battery updates at 5 towers; replacing GPS timing components at 2 towers; replacing 2 generators; upgrading DC power system to increase capacity at 14 towers; and creating fire defensible space around tower locations.  Additionally, as with any technological system, you must prepare for, meticulously analyze, and efficiently address unforeseen disruptions in service due to weather, man-made or natural disasters or power outages.  Thus, we have reconfigured the outage alert on our 9-1-1 communications dispatch monitors to be more visible and we will continue to prioritize the upgrades and fine tuning of our Legacy Radio System to minimize disruptions and unforeseen outages.  We're on track to complete phase one of the Legacy Radio System upgrade this summer. 

Staff have already moved forward with the next phase of the Legacy Radio System upgrade.  A feasibility study with a consultant was just completed to determine and develop options for phase two of our Legacy Radio System upgrade which includes a conversion to digital technology.  The study focused on designing a system upgrade that specifically addresses our challenging geographical requirements as well as taking into consideration the unique needs of our rural communities.  Ideally the new digital platform will allow us to have four new key features, encryption for first responder safety; modern digital P25 capability, which means operability with any agency with a P25 radio; system redundancy to allow necessary function ability during outages; and trunking technology allowing multiple agencies to simultaneously share access to improve resiliency.  Together we hope to build a robust and reliable radio communications system that continues to support the critical work our public safety sector provides in protecting and serving our communities.

“Communication is critical, both on a daily basis and when large emergencies occur. When seconds count, first responders need the ability to communicate quickly and without limits.  I am thankful that the Commissioners and our Radio Division have prioritized this project and are making great strides in pursuing a much-needed update to an outdated radio system that will not only improve coverage but also functionality,” said Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin.  “When completed, first responders will be able to communicate more efficiently with partner agencies locally, regionally, and throughout the state, which will improve incident response and also help to ensure responder safety while working in hazardous conditions.”

###

Media Contacts: 

Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov 

Lt. Brad O’Dell | Douglas County Sheriff’s Office | Special Services Lieutenant | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 440-4464 | Email: brad.odell@douglascountyor.gov 

Photos attached.  Credit: Douglas County

Attached Media Files: , , , ,

04-05-24 Building Capacity With Our Emergency Radio Communication System (Photo) - 04/05/24

Joint Release: Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 5, 2024

Building Capacity with our Emergency Radio Communication System

(Douglas County, Ore.) Providing support, funding and resources for our public safety programs has always been a top priority for our Douglas County Commissioners.  Public safety comprises multiple disciplines across all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, as well as interactions with citizens, requiring integrated operations to communicate, respond and assist residents.  Our public safety mission at the County begins with Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the 9-1-1 Communications Dispatch Center, who work in concert with over 55 local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service agencies to serve and protect our citizens.  An often overlooked component of the County’s public safety program is our Emergency Radio Communications System (ERCS), which is managed by the Douglas County Radio Division under the direction of Douglas County IT & Radio Director Nancy Laney and the Douglas County Information Technology Department. The ERCS, often referred to as our Legacy Radio System, is a vital public safety link between our 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatch Center and our local first responders providing critical, time-sensitive, and life-saving communications countywide. 

Let’s face it, most Douglas County residents don’t spend their days thinking about emergency radio communication systems, nor do they realize they are there. That is until they need to make an emergency call to 9-1-1.  It is at that point that citizens are thankful that we have an extensive radio communications system in place for 9-1-1 communications specialists to dispatch calls to our first responders out in the field.   

Given our rugged topography supplying effective communications to our large network of first responders from sea level to the 9,182-foot crest of Mt. Thielsen through swooping valleys, up steep terrain, and along our cadre of winding rivers has always provided a challenge.  Our current VHF simulcast conventional analog ERCS system with 19 relay transmitting towers strategically located across our county was the pinnacle of technology back in the 1990’s.  But just as time keeps ticking, advancements in technology continue to outpace annual budgets.  The Commissioners and current Radio & IT staff inherited an outdated 30-year-old ERCS system when they came on board at the County.  An engineering report from 2018 estimated that it would cost approximately $15-20 million to completely replace the aging ERCS system; a price tag that was definitely not feasible within our budget constraints unless we acquired outside support.  Realizing that we must prioritize building capacity for and maintaining public safety communications systems that continue to meet the ever-increasing needs of serving and protecting our citizens, the Commissioners, Sheriff Hanlin, IT Director Laney and Douglas County Management and Finance Department Director Dan Wilson worked together to develop a strategic plan for ongoing maintenance and repairs, while steadfastly researching and applying for as many grants and funding opportunities as possible to upgrade our Legacy Radio System.

“With the budgetary support of our three Commissioners and support and grants from Oregon Emergency Management, State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), and Congressional Directed Spending opportunities, we have made significant strides in upgrading critical components of our ERCS. These steps will be crucial for laying the groundwork for the next phase of our radio system overhaul,” stated IT & Radio Director, Nancy Laney. 

Working collaboratively with Sheriff Hanlin and other key partners in the emergency response sector was crucial during plan development.  With a plan in place and secured funding via grants and County funds totaling over $6.6 million, Douglas County has spent the last four years strategically initiating phase one of our comprehensive upgrade to our Legacy Radio System.  The nature of our outdated radio technology necessitated a phased approach, starting with foundational upgrades necessary for the modernization of our radio transmitters to a digital format. This included updating our analog microwave, direct current (DC) power systems and a complete replacement of our 9-1-1 dispatch center paging system, which were not compatible with the advances in technology that are required for a digital emergency radio system.

“The completion of phase one of our ERCS upgrade is an important milestone and highlights our commitment to public safety in Douglas County,” commented Commissioner Tom Kress.  “The upgraded system will not only provide enhanced communications every day but will also improve communication with responding partners in the event of a large-scale emergency. Without that, lives could be lost. This is an important step for public safety as we continue to meet new challenges every day.”

Completed phase one upgrades to our Legacy Radio System include upgraded microwave electronics at all 19 relay transmitting towers (which increases our system capacity and is a pre-requisite for future radio system upgrades); replacement of backup power batteries at 14 towers; replacement of GPS timing components at 17 towers; replacement of 5 generators; and upgrading DC power system to increase capacity at 2 towers.  We are currently in the process of completing backup power battery updates at 5 towers; replacing GPS timing components at 2 towers; replacing 2 generators; upgrading DC power system to increase capacity at 14 towers; and creating fire defensible space around tower locations.  Additionally, as with any technological system, you must prepare for, meticulously analyze, and efficiently address unforeseen disruptions in service due to weather, man-made or natural disasters or power outages.  Thus, we have reconfigured the outage alert on our 9-1-1 communications dispatch monitors to be more visible and we will continue to prioritize the upgrades and fine tuning of our Legacy Radio System to minimize disruptions and unforeseen outages.  We're on track to complete phase one of the Legacy Radio System upgrade this summer. 

Staff have already moved forward with the next phase of the Legacy Radio System upgrade.  A feasibility study with a consultant was just completed to determine and develop options for phase two of our Legacy Radio System upgrade which includes a conversion to digital technology.  The study focused on designing a system upgrade that specifically addresses our challenging geographical requirements as well as taking into consideration the unique needs of our rural communities.  Ideally the new digital platform will allow us to have four new key features, encryption for first responder safety; modern digital P25 capability, which means operability with any agency with a P25 radio; system redundancy to allow necessary function ability during outages; and trunking technology allowing multiple agencies to simultaneously share access to improve resiliency.  Together we hope to build a robust and reliable radio communications system that continues to support the critical work our public safety sector provides in protecting and serving our communities.

“Communication is critical, both on a daily basis and when large emergencies occur. When seconds count, first responders need the ability to communicate quickly and without limits.  I am thankful that the Commissioners and our Radio Division have prioritized this project and are making great strides in pursuing a much-needed update to an outdated radio system that will not only improve coverage but also functionality,” said Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin.  “When completed, first responders will be able to communicate more efficiently with partner agencies locally, regionally, and throughout the state, which will improve incident response and also help to ensure responder safety while working in hazardous conditions.”

###

Media Contacts: 

Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov 

Lt. Brad O’Dell | Douglas County Sheriff’s Office | Special Services Lieutenant | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 440-4464 | Email: brad.odell@douglascountyor.gov 

Photos attached.  Credit: Douglas County

Attached Media Files: , , , ,