Dodge County Public Safety Radio System

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says the aging public safety radio system in the county needs to be updated to keep law enforcement, EMS, Fire and county residents safe.

Schmidt detailed problems with the system in a 7 ½ page letter to residents last month. He cited several examples where unreliability of the radio communications system put people in danger.

He points out their towers, transmitters and receivers all need updating. Those on VHF systems need to convert to an 800 megahertz trunked system which is becoming the industry standard. Schmidt says they have been working with TUSA which will come up with some short-range improvements, while requests for proposals are sought to fix the overall system.

He says it will take 2 to 3 years to make the necessary improvements and they will look for ways to reduce costs such as grants. They hope to review requests for proposals for the project this summer and present proposals to the Dodge County Board in the fall.

To hear an interview with Sheriff Schmidt click here.