Marshall County commissioners recommend radio upgrade to council, approve sheriff's vehicle order

Marshall County commissioners on Nov. 3 recommended that the county council consider funding LTE-enabled handheld radios for the sheriff’s office and approved an immediate order for four law-enforcement vehicles.

Sheriff Matt Hassell requested out-of-state travel for staff to attend the CentralSquare conference (March 15–18, 2026); commissioners approved the travel request. Hassell and vendor representatives demonstrated an Apex Next-style radio that uses both the county’s P25/800 system and LTE to improve coverage in known dead spots. Vendor Zach MacWigan and Motorola representative Janelle Stairwell described the radios’ ability to switch automatically to LTE when tower coverage drops and noted local examples—Whitley County had purchased similar radios to reduce the need for new towers.

Vendor pricing discussed in the meeting placed a 21-unit purchase for the sheriff under a quoted figure (vendor stated "under $155,000" including seven-year warranties and one year LTE service). Commissioners voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the county council so the council can evaluate funding options; no council appropriation was taken at this meeting.

Separately, commissioners approved the sheriff’s request to place orders for three Ford Explorer police packages and one Ford F-150 interceptor from Oliver Ford for a total of $176,871. The board authorized placing the order now and completing purchase agreements in the spring when vehicles are delivered.

Commissioners stressed coordination with local police departments to ensure interoperability and discussed potential funding avenues, including public-safety grants or county funds if the council approves.