California counties joining radio networks | 05.04.2007 | 06:34:21 | Views: 5334 | ID: May 4 '07: Two California counties are joining their radio response networks to improve communication and information-sharing, the Contra Costa Times reported. The new joined system would be digital and would "allow public safety agencies in both counties to communicate directly with each other via radio." The push to join the Alameda and Contra Costa counties' radio systems was furthered by the recent overpass collapse last week when a fuel tanker crashed into a guardrail in the San Francisco metro area causing massive fires which melted the substructure of the overpass. Traffic congestion a severe disruption of service prompted Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state emergency. Currently, emergency operators, fire and police chiefs and local officials rely on "black boxes" which "capture signals from disparate radio systems," the Times wrote. "However, even that equipment has limitations, such as a finite range where the boxes will work." The new interoperable system will cost around $60 and will be paid for through federal and state funding with most of the financial burden being placed on the state level.
Copyright ©2007 TheBreakingNews.com. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction in part or full without prior written permission.
|