Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM)

Emergency Messages as of 4:06 PM, Thu. Oct 22

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Oregon Department Of Emergency Management Highlights Role In ECSO 911 Radio System Go?Live - 10/22/26

photos of the new tower

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) wants to congratulate the Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911)’s October 6 launch of the new countywide public safety radio system. ECSO 911 is the primary 911 center for Jackson County and Crater Lake National Park.

The new system strengthens radio communications between dispatchers and first responders across Jackson County and portions of Curry, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Siskiyou (California) counties. The upgrade affects internal public safety radio communications and does not impact the ability of residents to call or text 911.

 

OEM’s statewide interoperability and preparedness teams partnered with ECSO 911, Jackson County and state and federal agencies to help support system planning and ensure compatibility with existing and future emergency communications infrastructure. The team supported technical coordination, grant alignment and statewide interoperability planning in coordination with the State Interoperability Executive Council, as the scope of the project grew to incorporate new technologies and improve redundancy.

 

“Interoperable, reliable communications save lives,” OEM’s Statewide Interoperability and Coordinator Jon Lee said. “Our interoperability and preparedness teams are proud to support this major upgrade, which strengthens Oregon’s emergency communications network and improves the safety of responders and the communities they serve.”

 

Project milestones include:

  • A 2014 Department of Homeland Security grant awarded to Jackson County Fire District 3 to study public safety radio infrastructure.
  • A 2016 conceptual design process that identified the P25 hybrid solution.
  • Jackson County voters’ approval of a $28 million general obligation bond in 2019.
  • A 2020 contract with Motorola Solutions and construction of 20 new or upgraded radio sites, including solar‑powered remote locations, completed in 2025.
  • Deployment of about 1,700 to 1,800 radios to user agencies and extensive testing leading to the October 6 system cutover.

The project received additional support from the Oregon Legislature, the State Interoperability Executive Council, federal grant programs, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police and local public safety agencies.

 

OEM commends ECSO 911, Jackson County, partner agencies and local leaders for their collaboration and commitment to expanding and modernizing emergency communications in southern Oregon. Ongoing coordination among OEM, ECSO 911, fire and law enforcement agencies, and county service departments will help ensure a smooth transition and continued optimization of system performance.

 

The new system delivers real‑time, interoperable radio communications that enhance daily operations, mutual aid responses and multi‑agency coordination across both urban and remote areas.

 

Oregon Department Of Emergency Management Highlights Role In ECSO 911 Radio System Go?Live - 10/22/26

photos of the new tower

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) wants to congratulate the Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911)’s October 6 launch of the new countywide public safety radio system. ECSO 911 is the primary 911 center for Jackson County and Crater Lake National Park.

The new system strengthens radio communications between dispatchers and first responders across Jackson County and portions of Curry, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Siskiyou (California) counties. The upgrade affects internal public safety radio communications and does not impact the ability of residents to call or text 911.

 

OEM’s statewide interoperability and preparedness teams partnered with ECSO 911, Jackson County and state and federal agencies to help support system planning and ensure compatibility with existing and future emergency communications infrastructure. The team supported technical coordination, grant alignment and statewide interoperability planning in coordination with the State Interoperability Executive Council, as the scope of the project grew to incorporate new technologies and improve redundancy.

 

“Interoperable, reliable communications save lives,” OEM’s Statewide Interoperability and Coordinator Jon Lee said. “Our interoperability and preparedness teams are proud to support this major upgrade, which strengthens Oregon’s emergency communications network and improves the safety of responders and the communities they serve.”

 

Project milestones include:

  • A 2014 Department of Homeland Security grant awarded to Jackson County Fire District 3 to study public safety radio infrastructure.
  • A 2016 conceptual design process that identified the P25 hybrid solution.
  • Jackson County voters’ approval of a $28 million general obligation bond in 2019.
  • A 2020 contract with Motorola Solutions and construction of 20 new or upgraded radio sites, including solar‑powered remote locations, completed in 2025.
  • Deployment of about 1,700 to 1,800 radios to user agencies and extensive testing leading to the October 6 system cutover.

The project received additional support from the Oregon Legislature, the State Interoperability Executive Council, federal grant programs, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police and local public safety agencies.

 

OEM commends ECSO 911, Jackson County, partner agencies and local leaders for their collaboration and commitment to expanding and modernizing emergency communications in southern Oregon. Ongoing coordination among OEM, ECSO 911, fire and law enforcement agencies, and county service departments will help ensure a smooth transition and continued optimization of system performance.

 

The new system delivers real‑time, interoperable radio communications that enhance daily operations, mutual aid responses and multi‑agency coordination across both urban and remote areas.