Lapeer County to replace 911 system

LAPEER COUNTY (WJRT) -- (01/26/09)--Lapeer County officials want to replace their 911 radio system after it broke down twice last month.

County officials say they need to switch from analog to digital technology. The upgrade could cost up to $15.2 million.

The dispatch center's microwave system links three towers together. That system failed twice last month.

Both times, dispatchers were unable to talk with emergency responders for a short time. Fortunately, they were able to use the state's digital backup system until repairs were made.

Officials would like to switch to that system permanently. Still, a consultant suggests the price tag for the upgrade could top $15 million.

Director of Lapeer County 911 Vic Martin hopes it'll be a few million less, but he thinks the upgrade is crucial to public safety.

"You pay for what you get, basically, with this," he said.

"If we want a better system or an equal system to what we have now as far as operating on a portable handset, it's going to cost us a little bit of money."

Martin says the upgrade is a few years away and might be funded by state or federal grants.

In this business, communication is key. That's why Martin wants to prevent what happened last month when the old analog radio system failed.

Fortunately, dispatchers were able to tap into the state's backup system to communicate with emergency responders.

"This is our microwave system right here," said Lapeer County 911 Systems Administrator Jeff Satkowski. "This is the one we've been having problems with."

Satkowski says the 12-year-old analog machines link the county's three towers, and they need an upgrade.

""The biggest challenge is funding," Satkowski said.

The dispatchers take about 30,000 emergency calls a year.

"Most of our 911 calls are coming from cell phones," Martin said.

As people find new ways to call for help, Martin says this center can't put new technology on hold.

"Doing what we're currently doing isn't going to work," he said.

In addition to digital radio upgrades, Martin is considering a switch to Internet-based 911. That would allow people to text message 911 in an emergency and even send video files.

Both of these changes are still at least three years away.

Click here to get us on your iPhone..

Click here for more Mid-Michigan and Flint news

Comment on this story below and we may read what you have to say on the air.

Get more Local »

local, gabe gutierrez

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•