Despite four years of effort, Bellefontaine’s police and fire personnel continue to have problems communicating with dispatchers via mobile and portable radios.
Both Police Chief Brandon Standley and Fire Chief Andy Fissel are looking to Ohio’s computer based MARCS radio system as the solution. But it will cost more than $200,000 just to outfit the police department’s vehicles and officers.
Chief Fissel told the Bellefontaine City Council’s Finance Committee he has already applied for a grant through the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office to outfit the city’s firefighters.
He is optimistic the city will land a $34,000 grant as the state is seeking contact information for City Auditor Jack Reser, a preliminary step for setting up payment.
He still needs to find 12 mobile units for the department fire trucks and squads.
Chief Standley will need 16 units for vehicles and 34 portables.
“These are items we wish we had yesterday,” Chief Standley said. “Our officers continue to experience no radio signals despite our efforts of the past year.”
Read complete story in Wednesday’s Examiner.
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