Functions 

The Radio Communication Shop provides general oversight and operation of radio communications equipment and systems for use by the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Public Works, and other County agencies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with defining purchase specifications for radio communications and associated equipment, wireless phones, and pagers for County employees conducting County business.
• Install and maintain radio communications equipment including in-car radios, hand-held radios, base station radios, related computers, pagers, and other electronic devices
• Manage radio vendor service contracts
• Maintain Federal Communications Commission licensure for operation of the County radio systems
• Oversee the upkeep of County radio communications tower sites
• Act as liaison to other government agencies for the purpose of promoting inter-governmental information exchange through radio communications

This Office Does Not

• Repair, program, or maintain equipment not owned by the County.
• Climb radio towers or provide tower related services

Common Terms

Base station radio – A radio that is permanently mounted in a building that can be used to communicate with other radio units.  County staff primarily use base stations for dispatching units in the field. 

Federal Communication Commission license - A legal authorization by the federal government to operate a radio communication system.

Mobile radio (in-car) – A two-way radio that is permanently mounted inside a vehicle that is used to communicate with other mobile, base station, or portable radio units.  This type of radio would normally be found in a fire truck, ambulance, or police car.

Pager – A one-way wireless communications device that can be worn by the user for notification, either by audible tone or vibration of a text message or call.  Also known as a beeper.

Portable radio (hand-held) – A two-way radio that can be carried or worn so that the user’s communications are not limited by the location of the radio and can be used to talk to other portable, mobile, or base station radios.  A fireman, policeman, or public works employee while out on scene or on a job site would use this type of radio.

Radio system – A combination of mobile, portable, and base station radios that, when used together, enable the work group to efficiently communicate over a large area and without being at the same physical location.

Two-way radio - A wireless communications device that is used to transmit and receive voice messages over the airwaves.  Work crews, firemen, emergency medical technicians, and policemen typically use this type of equipment.