The new Grayson County E-911 radio system is being installed.
K105 reported last month that Grayson County Fiscal Court approved replacing the outdated system. The current system, a Motorola radio dispatch console system installed in 1993, is so antiquated that replacement parts are no longer manufactured. Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson said the system currently in use is “a dinosaur … it’s obsolete,” in telling magistrates that there were no options other than replacing the system.
The new system, a three position IP based Zetrol MAX Dispatch Radio System, was purchased for just over $186,000. The system is expected to be fully installed in March.
“The new radio console ensures interoperability with all major radio equipment, voice recorder and the Solacom 9-1-1 system,” said Kim Miller, assistant director of Grayson County’s E-911. “Via headset, the telecommunicator will be able to navigate phone and radio transmissions. The software is highly configurable to meet the current and future needs of our dispatch center. During critical incidents, MAX Dispatch can be operated over a laptop giving dispatch the ability to deploy for critical incidents securely.”
In 2018, Miller applied for a grant for replacement E-911 equipment and was awarded $105,000 for a Solacom Guardian 9-1-1 system, including an upgraded IP based administrative phone system, which was installed in September 2019.
“Out of 120 Kentucky counties, four northern counties began taking text-to-911 calls in the summer of 2019,” Miller said. “When time, our Next Generation 9-1-1 system will allow our county to receive those texts, generate text-from-911 and video-enhanced data.”
Miller said the screen layout provides multimedia interfaces for next generation voice and instant messaging TDD/TTY for the deaf.
“Guardian 9-1-1 integrated seamlessly with our CAD and voice recording equipment,” Miller noted. “Both 911 and radio systems can be maintained remotely reducing costs of upgrades, service calls and expansions.”
In an appreciative nod to Fiscal Court, Henderson and Jailer Jason Woosley, Miller added, “The difference between thinking and planning versus taking action is progress. Grayson County E-911 is grateful to Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson, magistrates and Jailer/Director Jason Woosley for their leadership and support.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
