Board of Supes approves emergency communication system upgrade

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a $8 million plan to replace againg dispatch consoles with more modern equipment, which will improve communication between emergency responders in and outside of San Bernardino County.

The existing consoles are about 20 years old and do not allow clear communication between San Bernardino County's emergency responders and those from outside agencies that use digital communication systems, according to a news release from Second District Supervisor Paul Biane.

In addition, the new consoles will provide emergency dispatchers with modern features that will allow them to communicate better with responders in the field.

"Seamless communication is critical during an emergency, and this major upgrade to our dispatch equipment will greatly enhance the county's ability to coordinate with agencies during major incidents that require outside assistance," Biane said in the news release.

The county's Information Services Department, which operates and maintains the county's 800 MHz radio communication system, secured $5.1 million from the Department of Homeland Security to help purchase the consoles.

SOURCE: News release