Partnership Expands County's Emergency Dispatching

Officials from Macomb County and the City of Warren announced a plan to enhance radio systems for police, fire and emergency medical services Thursday.

The $9.6 million plan would have the Macomb County radio system couple with the Warren public safety radio system for backup services should events or circumstances ever arise that this would be needed, according to a report in the Detroit News.

The county dispatches public safety to about 400,000 people each year, according to the report.

“This isn’t necessarily something the public will visibly see, but will enjoy the benefits of should something knock out radio communications,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham told the Detroit News. “By partnering with the city of Warren, there will not be a physical need for either of us to build a backup system, just enhance what is already in place.”

The plan, which calls for the construction of five new towers in the northern portion of Macomb County, new equipment and hardware, still needs the proper approval from both county and city officials.

According to the report, the county would pick up $7.2 million of the tab, with the remainder ($2.4 million) being billed to Warren.

“We have been working towards this for some time and putting it all in place — the towers, hardware, wiring and new equipment — is expected to take about a year,” Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel told the Detroit Newss. “We will have a radio system in place with more extensive coverage and radio operability both inside and outside buildings than anywhere else in the state.”