Rusk County updates radio tower project and emergency vehicle equipment; KVL encryption and microwave parts delayed

Rusk County Emergency Services staff told the committee that new squad radios and repeaters have been programmed, the county expects a new ambulance to be delivered in a few days, and the tower project remains delayed while microwave dishes and an encryption module are awaited.

County staff said DSC Communications will come from Superior to program squad radios and repeaters, with an initial plan to install and test a radio in a staff vehicle to confirm coverage before installing units across all patrol squads. Fiber is being buried to several tower sites, but some microwave dishes needed for the tower links have not arrived and are delaying completion. Staff also reported that a device called a KVL—used to enable an encrypted channel that prevents scanners from picking up sensitive radio traffic—had an original ship date of Feb. 2 and a revised ship date of Feb. 22 but had not yet arrived; staff said the installer can add the KVL later and recommended proceeding with programming and installation now.

Why it matters: Upgraded radios, repeaters and completed tower links are intended to improve in-county coverage for law enforcement, dispatch and emergency medical services. The encrypted channel enabled by the KVL will allow staff to communicate sensitive information without public monitoring. Delays in microwave dishes and encryption hardware push completion later; staff said they hope for a June finish but could not confirm a final completion date.

Ambulance and dispatch notes: Staff reported the new ambulance will be delivered in a couple of days. Dispatch and portable radio programming are being coordinated; staff said one full day will be needed to handle squad radios and that portables may be programmed on a separate date.

Next steps: Staff will test one installed radio in a staff vehicle, schedule the DSC installation and confirm portable programming dates once equipment arrives.