Posted on July 10, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department has experienced issues with their radio communications and repairs to the equipment are anticipated soon.
Matthew Noonan from the Starke County Communications Committee explained to the Starke County Commissioners last week that the problem was found at the site and wasn’t an issue with the radios as initially thought. He said through testing he found that voter was disenabled and the transmitter wasn’t working. Officials from J&K Communications were contacted and they were able to gain remote access and enable everything. It was working, but further testing found it to be inoperable.
Noonan explained that during the tower maintenance project in North Judson, where the fire department’s radio equipment is placed, the cables were found to be damaged. The equipment was not moved from the site during the project, because of cost.
The commissioners did approve a quote for $2,005 to repair the cables which will be presented as an additional appropriation for the council to approve.
In addition, the air conditioning unit was also found not to be working to help cool the equipment to a preferable operation temperature. Arctic Air made necessary repairs for just over $100 as an emergency expense.
On top of that, the service contract with J&K Communications, the only company that Noonan said can service the radios that all the fire departments use, expired June 30. Noonan presented a one-year service agreement contract for the commissioners to review in the amount of $42,000. The contract will be discussed by the Starke County Council along with the commissioners on Monday, July 15.
Showing posts with label fire department radio communication problems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire department radio communication problems. Show all posts
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Outside Company to Evaluate Starke County Radio Communication System
Posted on February 5, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
An outside company will be evaluating Starke County’s radio system for the firefighters in order to come to a firm conclusion on what issues plague the radio communication with the county and firefighters and the firefighters themselves.
Firefighters have been expressing extreme issues with communications with county officials for several months and while some problems have been repaired, other large problems still exist.
Starke County Fire Association President Kenny Pfost told the Starke County Commissioners Monday night that he spoke with IT Director Richard Franks who said it was a training issue on the part of the firefighters.
“The fire chiefs and I had a meeting and we do agree, to a certain extent, that we do need to get better at switching off the dispatch channel and moving to an attack channel or fire ground channel once we’re on scene,” said Pfost. “However, the problems that are being described from the majority of the departments, there’s no way possible it’s a training issue.”
Pfost said calls continue to be missed and there is no portable or mobile communication for the firefighters.
He proposed asking an outside company to evaluate the system to pinpoint the issue.
Miner Electronics can do an evaluation at a cost of $1,200.
Commission President Charlie Chesak suggested that fire officials, rather than the commissioners, explain to company representatives what specific problems are plaguing the firefighters.
Commissioner Kathy Norem said the quote is a good investment to get down to the underlying complication.
The commissioners unanimously approved a motion to allow Miner Electronics to evaluate the system. Where to go from information in that report will be discussed in a future meeting.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
An outside company will be evaluating Starke County’s radio system for the firefighters in order to come to a firm conclusion on what issues plague the radio communication with the county and firefighters and the firefighters themselves.
Firefighters have been expressing extreme issues with communications with county officials for several months and while some problems have been repaired, other large problems still exist.
Starke County Fire Association President Kenny Pfost told the Starke County Commissioners Monday night that he spoke with IT Director Richard Franks who said it was a training issue on the part of the firefighters.
“The fire chiefs and I had a meeting and we do agree, to a certain extent, that we do need to get better at switching off the dispatch channel and moving to an attack channel or fire ground channel once we’re on scene,” said Pfost. “However, the problems that are being described from the majority of the departments, there’s no way possible it’s a training issue.”
Pfost said calls continue to be missed and there is no portable or mobile communication for the firefighters.
He proposed asking an outside company to evaluate the system to pinpoint the issue.
Miner Electronics can do an evaluation at a cost of $1,200.
Commission President Charlie Chesak suggested that fire officials, rather than the commissioners, explain to company representatives what specific problems are plaguing the firefighters.
Commissioner Kathy Norem said the quote is a good investment to get down to the underlying complication.
The commissioners unanimously approved a motion to allow Miner Electronics to evaluate the system. Where to go from information in that report will be discussed in a future meeting.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Radio Issues Continue for Starke County Firefighters
Posted on November 6, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The communications vendor for Starke County’s fire departments is still working on issues experienced with radio communications.
The company did replace an antenna in North Judson which has improved the signal for the Railroad Township Fire Department, but the communication issues are not quite resolved.
A few months ago, fire chiefs from several fire departments urged the commissioners to find a solution to the issue of firefighters unable to talk to each other on their radios and other fire departments. The Koontz Lake Fire Department and Hamlet Fire Department officials were hesitant to send firefighters into burning buildings because they couldn’t communicate with each other for safety reasons.
A lot of those issues have since improved.
J&K Communications is currently repairing the sirens at the Bass Lake Fire Department and the Railroad Township Fire Department in addition to reprogramming radios for some firefighters.
Until those repairs are done and other radio repairs are complete, the Starke County Commissioners agreed to hold an invoice the company submitted for over $23,000.
IT Director Richard Franks said since the invoice is being held he can get a better explanation of repairs done and expectations.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The communications vendor for Starke County’s fire departments is still working on issues experienced with radio communications.
The company did replace an antenna in North Judson which has improved the signal for the Railroad Township Fire Department, but the communication issues are not quite resolved.
A few months ago, fire chiefs from several fire departments urged the commissioners to find a solution to the issue of firefighters unable to talk to each other on their radios and other fire departments. The Koontz Lake Fire Department and Hamlet Fire Department officials were hesitant to send firefighters into burning buildings because they couldn’t communicate with each other for safety reasons.
A lot of those issues have since improved.
J&K Communications is currently repairing the sirens at the Bass Lake Fire Department and the Railroad Township Fire Department in addition to reprogramming radios for some firefighters.
Until those repairs are done and other radio repairs are complete, the Starke County Commissioners agreed to hold an invoice the company submitted for over $23,000.
IT Director Richard Franks said since the invoice is being held he can get a better explanation of repairs done and expectations.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Frustration Continues with Firefighter Radio Communication Issues
Posted on September 21, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Firefighters from several departments told the Starke County Commissioners on Monday night that they continue to have problems with radio communication.
Andy Tilleraas from the Railroad Township Fire Department said representatives from J&K Communications were at his fire station on Monday. He stated that they know that there’s a problem, but couldn’t quite pinpoint the issue. He said the siren doesn’t work along with radios that used to open. He did say that his department’s radio communication was a little better, but interference is a problem. Also, there is a lot of static after the firefighters are toned.
Dave Pearman from Washington-Township Fire Department reported the same communication issues where firefighters can’t talk to each other. Hamlet Fire Chief Brad Hazelton said it’s unacceptable and a directional signal may need to be changed.
Bass Lake Fire Chief Les Jensen also reported communication issues.
The Starke County Firefighters Association met on Tuesday night where there was constructive discussion on the radio issues. According to Pearman, it was reported that J&K Communications was finished with modifications and programming.
The Starke County Commissioners took note that the firefighters are asking for a vendor change if these issues can’t be resolved. These issues have plagued departments for several years.
More discussions will take place concerning the changes and current status during a fire chiefs meeting on Monday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. CT.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Firefighters from several departments told the Starke County Commissioners on Monday night that they continue to have problems with radio communication.
Andy Tilleraas from the Railroad Township Fire Department said representatives from J&K Communications were at his fire station on Monday. He stated that they know that there’s a problem, but couldn’t quite pinpoint the issue. He said the siren doesn’t work along with radios that used to open. He did say that his department’s radio communication was a little better, but interference is a problem. Also, there is a lot of static after the firefighters are toned.
Dave Pearman from Washington-Township Fire Department reported the same communication issues where firefighters can’t talk to each other. Hamlet Fire Chief Brad Hazelton said it’s unacceptable and a directional signal may need to be changed.
Bass Lake Fire Chief Les Jensen also reported communication issues.
The Starke County Firefighters Association met on Tuesday night where there was constructive discussion on the radio issues. According to Pearman, it was reported that J&K Communications was finished with modifications and programming.
The Starke County Commissioners took note that the firefighters are asking for a vendor change if these issues can’t be resolved. These issues have plagued departments for several years.
More discussions will take place concerning the changes and current status during a fire chiefs meeting on Monday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. CT.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Starke County Fire Departments Address Radio Problems with Council, Commissioners
Posted on August 21, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Firefighters from Knox-Center Township, North Judson-Wayne Township, Hamlet-Davis Township, Koontz Lake-Oregon Township, Railroad Township, and Washington Township Departments are pleading with county officials to help fix an ongoing communication problem with radios.
The Hamlet Fire Department was called to a mobile home fire on Monday shortly after midnight at 218 Railroad Street with possible entrapment. Hamlet Fire Chief Brad Hazelton, who is also the Starke County Council President, explained that he was about to send firefighters into the burning building to check for occupants when the radios weren’t working. The 800 mhz system, UHF and VHF methods were silent. Koontz Lake Fire Chief Andy Lawrence said he received a phone call for mutual aid, and had to go to his fire department to tone out other firefighters to assist because the radios aren’t working right.
Lawrence indicated that when a radio test was done Sunday evening, he thought everything was working, but nothing was working when the fire occurred after midnight on Monday.
Lawrence said for the past six years, since the tower went down at the old Starke County Jail facility on Pearl Street in Knox in a fierce wind event, nothing has worked properly. The radio communications company, J&K Communications, claims to have fixed the problem, but the radios don’t work properly and haven’t since that time.
In addition, North Judson firefighters reported problems in the Denham and Railroad Townships areas.
Firefighters also told the county officials that there are times when they can hear other radio communication and other times they cannot.
After much discussion, the Starke County Commissioners and Starke County Council members asked IT Director Richard Franks to talk to the J&K Communication representatives to be in the county today to resolve the problem. If things aren’t remedied, then other action may be taken such as another vendor. Councilman Dave Pearman suggested moving the tower for the Koontz Lake Fire Department to the Washington Township Fire Department for better signal for communication. That will be reviewed.
Lawrence said they need proper working equipment for safety and to do their jobs to the best of their ability. They don’t want to experience a tragedy due to radio issues.
According to Hazelton, the there were no injuries in the fire that occurred Monday. The cause is under investigation with the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Firefighters from Knox-Center Township, North Judson-Wayne Township, Hamlet-Davis Township, Koontz Lake-Oregon Township, Railroad Township, and Washington Township Departments are pleading with county officials to help fix an ongoing communication problem with radios.
The Hamlet Fire Department was called to a mobile home fire on Monday shortly after midnight at 218 Railroad Street with possible entrapment. Hamlet Fire Chief Brad Hazelton, who is also the Starke County Council President, explained that he was about to send firefighters into the burning building to check for occupants when the radios weren’t working. The 800 mhz system, UHF and VHF methods were silent. Koontz Lake Fire Chief Andy Lawrence said he received a phone call for mutual aid, and had to go to his fire department to tone out other firefighters to assist because the radios aren’t working right.
Lawrence indicated that when a radio test was done Sunday evening, he thought everything was working, but nothing was working when the fire occurred after midnight on Monday.
Lawrence said for the past six years, since the tower went down at the old Starke County Jail facility on Pearl Street in Knox in a fierce wind event, nothing has worked properly. The radio communications company, J&K Communications, claims to have fixed the problem, but the radios don’t work properly and haven’t since that time.
In addition, North Judson firefighters reported problems in the Denham and Railroad Townships areas.
Firefighters also told the county officials that there are times when they can hear other radio communication and other times they cannot.
After much discussion, the Starke County Commissioners and Starke County Council members asked IT Director Richard Franks to talk to the J&K Communication representatives to be in the county today to resolve the problem. If things aren’t remedied, then other action may be taken such as another vendor. Councilman Dave Pearman suggested moving the tower for the Koontz Lake Fire Department to the Washington Township Fire Department for better signal for communication. That will be reviewed.
Lawrence said they need proper working equipment for safety and to do their jobs to the best of their ability. They don’t want to experience a tragedy due to radio issues.
According to Hazelton, the there were no injuries in the fire that occurred Monday. The cause is under investigation with the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.
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