[Scan-DC] The end is near for PGFD on UHF

[Alan Henney]

INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND
September 30, 2011
TO: All Sworn, Civilian, and Volunteer Personnel Memo #11-46
FROM: Marc S. Bashoor
Fire Chief

RE: 700 MHz Radio System Portable Radio Distribution

As each of you are aware, the Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department began our transition to the County's new 700 MHz trunked radio system several months ago with the installation of our fleet's mobile radios and we are about to begin the last phase of this transition by issuing the portable radios and accessories.

Recently, I attended an agency radio meeting where I challenged the radio committee to ensure their conversion plan for training on the use of and the issuance of portable radios would be complete by the end of September. Today, I am happy to report to each of you that the committee has met that challenge allowing for the issuance and operation of our new portable radios. I would like to personally thank this team of individuals for their hard work and dedication to this project.

Beginning October 3, 2011, and continuing through October 30, 2011, radio technicians from our partner, Public Safety Communications, will begin the task of issuing new portable radios to all stations. They also will begin reprogramming the previously installed mobile radios to ensure that all of the firm ware and code plug software is updated and identical to the new portables. The issuance process will take several weeks, but I have received assurances that the last station will be completed on or before October 30, 2011. Further direction on specific schedules and this process will be forthcoming.

The initial distribution plan allows for:

Class A pumpers to be issued four (4) portable radios and accessories. Ladder trucks, tower ladders, quints, rescue squads and rescue engines to be issued four (4) portable radios and accessories - (5) five for tractor drawn trucks. EMS transport units (ALS & BLS) will be issued two (2) portable radios and accessories. Volunteer Chief Officers will be issued one (1) portable radio and accessories each. Brush units will be issued one (1) portable radio and accessories.

Tankers will be issued one (1) portable radio and accessories. Mini-pumpers will be issued one (1) portable radio and accessories. Specialty and support units will be addressed at a later time.

Once all portable radios have been issued and all response unit mobiles have been installed, a follow-up announcement will be made notifying all personnel that the Department's new General Orders related to radio operations, as well as the "Status Messaging" feature on the new portable and mobile radios will become active.

Should you encounter any problems with this process or are in need of further training dates, please contact Lieutenant Colonel Scott K. Hoglander...