Police and Fire Departments enhance communication with new portable radios

The Amelia County Board of Supervisors held a budget session on March 11, 2025, focusing on key updates regarding county operations and public safety communications. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the county's radio systems, which have been operational for the past two months. Officials reported that all county agencies are currently using their radios effectively, with ongoing upgrades to software programming.

The county is actively working on mutual aid agreements with neighboring counties to enhance collaboration during emergencies. This involves completing necessary paperwork and acquiring hardware to ensure seamless communication across jurisdictions. Officials expressed confidence that these improvements would be implemented soon.

Additionally, the volunteer fire department raised concerns about their ability to communicate with medical helicopters. In response, the county secured funding for five portable radios, one for each fire station, to facilitate this critical communication. These radios will allow firefighters to connect with helicopters directly from their vehicles, enhancing their operational capabilities.

The meeting also included discussions about budget considerations related to these updates, with officials confirming that the proposed options have been integrated into the current budget framework. The session concluded with an invitation for further questions from the public, emphasizing transparency and community engagement in the budget process.