Wayne County appears to be moving closer to an updated emergency communications system that eliminates dead spots, especially in southwestern and northeastern corners, that have been troublesome for about 30 years. 

The new equipment would eliminate barriers in information sharing between volunteer fire departments, law enforcement, Reid EMS, and dispatchers in Wayne and surrounding counties.

Council and commissioners heard an update from councilor Barry Ritter, whose company has been assessing radio issues, and encouraged him to keep pursuing the lowest price possible. If the county commits in the fourth quarter, the work could be completed next year.

Funding for Ritter’s study came from Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program. He said dispatchers have been relying on an antiquated system they’ve been putting bandages on for years, and suggested moving forward with a statewide 800 MHz system.

Motorola has Indiana’s contract, so it’s the only vendor to deploy technology on towers for that system.

After working with Motorola engineers on solutions, Ritter said the coverage is the best the county could ask for in solving the long-standing communications issues. However, Ritter said he didn’t agree with the price – a little over $3.7 million – which was more than double than anticipated.

Ritter also has received two of three vendors’ prices for pagers, mobile and portable radios to help local first responders make the transition.

He said he is working on some ways to reduce costs, such as buying buildings for the technology from another vendor, and combining Wayne County’s tower usage with telecommunications providers.    

Councilor Max Smith said if the county doesn’t implement all new communications equipment, it would continue to have maintenance expenses and communication gaps. Councilor Gary Saunders said he sees communication issues firsthand through his service with Economy’s fire department.

The county’s emergency communication issues are happening in many of the same places where residents have cellphone coverage issues.

Matthew Cain, Wayne County’s emergency communications director, said the new equipment would increase interoperability with other counties. For instance, a portion of Franklin Township is covered by firefighters in Hollansburg, Ohio, by contract, and Hollansburg can’t communicate with Fountain City firefighters when needed.

In addition, Cain said Randolph County is switching to the 800 MHz system, so it would help to have compatible equipment.

Commissioner Jeff Plasterer said the project is a critical need and has been necessary for probably 20 to 30 years. He recommended taking action in the next 30 days.

After reading trade publications, Commissioner Mary Anne Butters said she wondered if the county was metaphorically investing in the canal system on the emergence of the railroad, because she’s learned of satellite technology that could eventually replace the 800 MHz system.

However, Cain said the industry standard is still land mobile radio, and emerging technology isn’t public safety grade. Council President Beth Leisure said even thinking of relying on cell phone towers for emergency communications makes her nervous.

Councilors appeared to agree that the technology would benefit all Wayne County residents. Cain noted residents had brought emergency communications concerns forward during a community engagement meeting.

Council president comments on coroner’s resignation

Beth Leisure, Wayne County Council president, read a statement at the Aug. 21 council/commissioner workshop regarding former Coroner Kevin Fouche’s resignation letter.

Western Wayne News shared Fouche’s letter in its Aug. 14 reporting, along with comments from councilor Gary Saunders when announcing Fouche’s resignation.

“There is an elected official’s resignation letter being published that discredits Wayne County Council. This letter has no merit,” Leisure wrote.

“Mr. Kevin Fouche wrote a letter of resignation which included many untrue statements. A few weeks ago, he phoned the council president and stated he had found a full-time job out of town that was too good to pass up and would be submitting a letter of resignation as his term does not end until Dec. 31, 2024. There was no mention of any of these unfounded accusations.

Mr. Fouche knew the job and the pay when he ran for the office. Council has always provided him with the requests needed to fulfill his job and has provided his department with the best office space they have occupied in many years.

We will move forward from this misguided attempt to create a bad situation and continue to provide the fiscal responsibility our taxpayers deserve.”

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A version of this article appeared in the August 28 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.

Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.