New county radio system cutover complete; minor equipment delays remain

Bedford County emergency-management and public-safety staff said the county completed a scheduled cutover to its new radio system Sept. 8 and reported no major problems after the first week of operation, though some equipment deliveries and adjustments are still pending. An emergency-management staff member said the county took the old system down to perform power work and brought up the new system; the cutover had a tentative earlier date but occurred Sept. 8. Staff said they have received positive feedback from public-safety users. Remaining items include installation of an additional generator that has been delayed in shipment and adjustment of antennas and paging at some fire and EMS stations, which staff described as standard “punch-list” work after a major system change. Why it matters: A functioning county radio system is central to coordinated EMS, fire and law-enforcement responses. Staff said the system now allows the county to pursue additional technology improvements. Discussion vs. decision: This was an informational update; no committee action was required. Staff thanked public-safety personnel for assistance during the cutover and said they will continue to monitor performance and complete remaining equipment installations. What’s next: Completion of generator delivery and final antenna/paging adjustments; staff will report any material issues to committee if they arise.