Walton commissioners approve radio system

[Andy A]

That is true! And thank you for observing the new toys and carefree spending. I wish there was more people like you

Just out of curiousity, did you read any of the posts above? Communications during a disaster does not involve "new toys and carefree spending". It involves people's lives. While it is right to question the cost of a viable system and make sure it is functional for all concerned, it is also right to expect the best possible response to a natural or man made disaster. If you don't think so, witness the response, which was a disaster in itself, to Katrina in NOLA. Fiscal conservatives do not mind spending money where the need is relevant to the public as a whole.

 

[TheZohan]

If there is a natural disaster most people are not going to listen to the news or even care untill last minute just like katrina and then they want help. As far as the new toys and carefree spending I dont care because I can't stop it no how I just want more people seen the new toys and carefree spending

 

[Andy A]

If there is a natural disaster most people are not going to listen to the news or even care untill last minute just like katrina and then they want help. As far as the new toys and carefree spending I dont care because I can't stop it no how I just want more people seen the new toys and carefree spending

Your viewpoint regarding disaster response is very narrow, indeed.

 

[Matt J]

Anybody else remember scalding letters to the editor all across the country when LEO's dared to want cell phones and people thought the expense of those nonworking toys was unjustified.

 

[TheZohan]

What is wrong with having a cell phone. I think that it would make there job a little easier and cheaper

 

[TechPyle]

Having a cell phone is great but it is not a majic bullet and suffers from many disadvantages to a radio system. Most cell phones require the use of cell towers that in emergency situations such as hurricans will not be available. The cell phones limited range and may areas that have no coverage is also a problem. Cell phones also have a hard time working in some buildings. Some of the same problems that are incountered with the new radio system. Other problems with cell phones is that the communications can be flooded with calls and disable the system completly. Cell phones have thier use but for emergency communications they have many problems. Most emergency personell have both a cell phone and a radio.

 

[idlewind]

Having a cell phone is great but it is not a majic bullet and suffers from many disadvantages to a radio system. Most cell phones require the use of cell towers that in emergency situations such as hurricans will not be available. The cell phones limited range and may areas that have no coverage is also a problem. Cell phones also have a hard time working in some buildings. Some of the same problems that are incountered with the new radio system. Other problems with cell phones is that the communications can be flooded with calls and disable the system completly. Cell phones have thier use but for emergency communications they have many problems. Most emergency personell have both a cell phone and a radio.

If they don't work very well, then why are we paying for them? Another waste of money.

 

[Matt J]

Having a cell phone is great but it is not a majic bullet and suffers from many disadvantages to a radio system. Most cell phones require the use of cell towers that in emergency situations such as hurricans will not be available. The cell phones limited range and may areas that have no coverage is also a problem. Cell phones also have a hard time working in some buildings. Some of the same problems that are incountered with the new radio system. Other problems with cell phones is that the communications can be flooded with calls and disable the system completly. Cell phones have thier use but for emergency communications they have many problems. Most emergency personell have both a cell phone and a radio.

To an extent that is true. However Sprint/Nextel has many contracts with FEMA, Homeland Security, the military, FBI, etc. Those contracts were gained by the ability to give priority to law enforcement cell phones. I'm not sure about other companies as I've never worked for them. During situations like spring break phone calls made by LEO's and emergency personnel take precedence over consumer calls. In some instances "spots" on cell towers can be reserved for emergency personnel so they can always make phone calls. During an emergency (i.e. Katrina) Sprint/Nextel is contractually obligated to provide cell service and actually dropped portable satellite towers in New Orleans.

 

[TechPyle]

SWGB,
I agree that cell phones have thier place but how do sprint/nextel users for emergency response (Lets say Sheriff) talk to a group of Verizon users, and a group of ATT users to coordinate a response. Also how do the portable towers work withen say 5 hours of a hurricane passing when they are still sitting in a nice safe area waiting to be deployed while search and rescue has already begun. I agree that cell phones have thier use but they have limitations also.
That being said this does not address the issue of the current radio change over because some of the same problems exist with the new radio system. One of the major reasons to go to this system is so that one agency can commmunicate with another agency easily. According to the article South Walton Fire District has already adopted the system. The old radios are being phased out because of a federal law that requires the reduction in bandwidth so staying with what the Sheriff has is not an option.
This system may not be the best but what are the other options which will allow cross agency communication between state and local and meets the federal guidlines?

 

[idlewind]

SWGB,
I agree that cell phones have thier place but how do sprint/nextel users for emergency response (Lets say Sheriff) talk to a group of Verizon users, and a group of ATT users to coordinate a response. Also how do the portable towers work withen say 5 hours of a hurricane passing when they are still sitting in a nice safe area waiting to be deployed while search and rescue has already begun. I agree that cell phones have thier use but they have limitations also.
That being said this does not address the issue of the current radio change over because some of the same problems exist with the new radio system. One of the major reasons to go to this system is so that one agency can commmunicate with another agency easily. According to the article South Walton Fire District has already adopted the system. The old radios are being phased out because of a federal law that requires the reduction in bandwidth so staying with what the Sheriff has is not an option.
This system may not be the best but what are the other options which will allow cross agency communication between state and local and meets the federal guidlines?

Ask Larry Ashley, he is getting a system that works for rverybody and is cheaper.