City and county project managers, along with Communications International (the vendor) and Federal Engineering (the consultant), told the Paducah Board of Commissioners on Oct. 2 that the new 9‑1‑1 radio system is progressing and is expected to go live in the January–February 2026 timeframe.

Officials reported the project is about 55% paid to the vendor under milestone payments tied to equipment manufacturing and testing. Pre‑installation testing of radio equipment took place in August; structural inspections of tower sites were completed in late September. Staff said antenna installation would start this month, and radio equipment would be installed in the 9‑1‑1 center and remote shelters beginning in November, followed by initial testing.

The project includes expanding from one tower to five towers, upgrades to phone and radio recording systems, new dispatch workstations and shelter infrastructure at tower sites (including HVAC, generators and fuel storage). Staff said shelter generators are sized to run for at least 72 hours, depending on load. The board approved final equipment purchases and a change order to retain 5% of final payment until final testing confirms at least 95% reliability under full foliage conditions; field tests for that final phase likely will not conclude until the following spring.

Training for dispatchers and radio end users is underway, and staff said they will run parallel systems for a period before cutting over. The projected go‑live remains in the January–February 2026 window.

Why it matters: Upgrading the 9‑1‑1 radio system affects police, fire, schools and volunteer fire agencies across the county. Officials said improved reliability and additional tower coverage will enhance emergency communications.

What’s next: Antenna installation this month, equipment installation and initial testing in November, dispatcher and end‑user training, and parallel operations before cutover in early 2026.