New Chesco radio system comes in loud, clear

Posted by Press Release on October 1, 2015

“Can you hear me now” elicited affirmative answers as the Chester County Commissioners tested the clarity and coverage of the county’s new $42.1 million emergency voice radio system on Wednesday, Sept 30.

Prem Kumar (from left), project manager for Harris Corporation; Robert Kagel, director of Chester County Department of Emergency Services; Cary Vargo, Upper Uwchlan Township Manager; Commissioner Kathi Cozzone; Kevin Kerr, Upper Uwchlan Township supervisor; Commissioner Michelle Kichline; Upper Uwchlan Township Police Chief John DeMarco; Pickering Valley Elementary School Principal Joe Fernandes; Commissioner Terence Farrell, Downingtown Area School District Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Mussoline; and Downingtown Area School District Chief Security Officer Tim Hubbard attend the radio testing on Wednesday, Sept. 30. — Prem Kumar (from left), Harris Corp. project manager; Robert Kagel, director of Chester County Department of Emergency Services; Cary Vargo, Upper Uwchlan Township manager; Commissioner Kathi Cozzone; Kevin Kerr, Upper Uwchlan Township supervisor; Commissioner Michelle Kichline; Upper Uwchlan Township Police Chief John DeMarco; Pickering Valley Elementary School Principal Joe Fernandes; Commissioner Terence Farrell, Downingtown Area School District Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Mussoline; and Downingtown Area School District Chief Security Officer Tim Hubbard attend the radio testing on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The test site, Pickering Valley Elementary School in Chester Springs, was selected because its location and solid construction have made radio broadcasting difficult in the past, a county press release said.

Installation of the Harris Corporation radio system was completed earlier this year, and extensive testing of equipment and radio coverage has been underway. When the system “goes live” in 2016, it guarantees a minimum 97 percent radio coverage for police, fire and emergency medical services personnel who are responding to 9-1-1 emergencies throughout Chester County, the release said.

In the release, Chester County Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell, who led the testing outside the elementary school alongside Upper Uwchlan Township Police Chief John DeMarco, commented: “It is exciting to see – and hear through the radio transmitter – the successful result of years of research, consultation, selection and installation of a new emergency voice radio system. It’s also reassuring to note that initial testing of the system has exceeded the goal of 97 percent radio coverage throughout the county.”

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone remarked that the improved clarity would enable first responders “to get the right message, very quickly, to and from our 9-1-1 center.” Commissioner Michelle Kichline, who tested the new radio system in the lower level of Pickering Valley Elementary School, said the upgrade would enhance the measures that school districts across the county have taken “to ensure that students, teachers and staff are prepared in the event of an emergency.”

Testing for the radio coverage has occurred at one-quarter and one-half-mile grids, with more than 3,600 radio calls made to the 9-1-1 center in West Chester to gauge the voice quality and coverage. Municipality officials, staff and first responders throughout Chester County have fully supported the Chester County Department of Emergency Services throughout the project. It began in February 2013 when the county commissioners signed a contract with Harris Corporation for the new emergency radio system.

The contract for the purchase, installation and two years of maintenance totaled $27.4 million, with $14.7 million allocated for maintenance of the system for an additional eight years following installation. Emergency responders are scheduled to begin using the Harris radio system in their daily operations in January, and by April 21, the analogue equipment will no longer be used.