Mohave Valley and local departments propose countywide radio/dispatch upgrade; Fort Mojave Mesa seeks $3.5M

Representatives of the Mohave Valley Fire Department presented a proposal March 24 for a new regional radio and dispatch communications system intended to improve interoperability among Mohave County fire departments.

Battalion Chief Rick McShea and Captain Mark Lowry outlined a plan that would locate the proposed primary dispatch center in Colorado City with Kingman serving as an emergency backup. The presenters said Fort Mojave Mesa, Desert Hills, Golden Shores, Mohave Valley and Oatman fire departments have expressed interest in participating.

Deputy Chief John Clark and Chief Rick McShea told the board that executive staff submitted a joint request for $3.5 million in congressionally directed spending to fund the communications upgrade. Clark also noted a separate $30,000 Arizona Highway Safety grant application for extrication equipment.

Why it matters: the proposed system is designed to address ongoing infrastructure challenges and to expand interoperable communications across multiple departments; funding and interagency participation remain outstanding steps.

Board reaction: the board and staff discussed the proposal and emphasized the critical need for improved infrastructure. No formal action or commitment of district funding was recorded during the meeting; staff will pursue funding proposals and related steps.

Next steps: staff identified congressional funding requests and grant applications as part of the funding strategy; the district did not set a formal vote on a funding commitment during the meeting.