Kzoo Co. sheriff: Communications network is ‘force multiplier’

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Public safety in Kalamazoo County gathered Friday morning to showcase vital communications equipment.

A news conference was held at the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County to highlight the county’s partnership with AT&T FirstNet. The telecommunications equipment provides enhanced coverage when public safety responds to large events, like natural disasters or even pre-planned events like the upcoming Kalamazoo Marathon.

Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says access to a strong telecommunications network has been a priority for his department.

“We’ve been very fortunate to be able to utilize FirstNet as a force multiplier. When you have the technology at our fingertips, like we do, you can do so much more than having to call somebody else out to have to help you with research on something,” he said. “Or you can be able to take the photographs that we’re taking with our body cameras or even the interaction we have with a person alongside the road and transmit that image or that sound and everything that’s going on to a command officer in another location.”

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, was also at Friday’s event to get a firsthand look at the technology.

FirstNet was initially introduced in Kalamazoo County in 2019.

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