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Police report MARCS tower range boost; council approves firefighter EMT training
Summary
Police Chief Mark Denning said the new MARCS tower extends radio range to about 33 miles; council approved seven firefighters to take EMT training at $1,850 each and noted equipment and staffing changes in police and EMS.
At the Aug. 19 council meeting Police Chief Mark Denning reported that the MARCS radio tower is now operational and extended transmission range from about 11–12 miles to approximately 33 miles. He also said the department is swapping equipment into a new Durango and that Andrew Fritch has shifted from a full‑time to a part‑time role; Alex Jackson completed his probation and moved to Patrolman I.
Fire/EMS Chief Darrick Crochran said the 36‑hour Fire Academy had run four of its days and was scheduled to finish with testing the following weekend. Deputy Chief EMS Bruce Silcott reported he had been briefly out with a back injury, that the new radio repeater is installed and the new squad vehicle would be available after final equipment 'wrapping' and a chaplain blessing. Silcott asked council to approve training for seven firefighters to become EMTs at a cost of $1,850 per person; council approved the request (motion by Ron Beverly, seconded by Charlie Martin), with the minutes recording unanimous approval.
Silcott also requested a Police/Fire Committee meeting to address overtime coverage and policies for businesses that do or do not allow employees to leave work to attend emergency scenes. No further motions on staffing policy changes were recorded at the meeting.
