Shelby County replaces 50-year-old public safety radio system

SIDNEY, Ohio ( WDTN ) — A new radio communication system was recently installed in Shelby County, replacing the former outdated system.

The new radio system was activated during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 30, held at a tower on Gearheart Road near the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, according to our partners at Sidney Daily News .

The new system will replace a 50-year-old system, and allow county communications to more easily integrate with other area agencies. Multiple Shelby County commissioners spoke at the event, saying the communication system is the most advanced of its type in Ohio.

“The system marks a very high milestone for not only our public safety forces, but also for all of our local government workers and school safety personnel,” Commissioner Bob Guillozet said. “It’s been a very long process for us. We’ve been in the discussion phase for the need for updated communication systems for many years.”

Construction and installation of the new 800 MHz system cost $10.3 million. A maintenance fund of $5.5 million will cover any work or repairs for the next 20 years.

During the ceremony, Shelby County Sheriff Jim Frye directed a dispatcher to issue one final transmission on the old system before issuing the first transmission of the new system.

The tower at Gearheart Road is one of five new towers in the county. The new towers can also be used to expand broadband services to rural residents.

The sheriff’s office shared the news through a social media post .

“Thanks to the efforts of the County Commissioners, Motorola Solutions, MCM Consulting Group, and countless other individuals, the new radio system is live within Shelby County,” the post read.

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