Coonrod named chair of Trunked Radio System Management Board

Greene County Presiding Commissioner Dave Coonrod was unanimously elected chair of the Trunked Radio System Management Board, succeeding Bill Burks, associate general manager of operations for City Utilities.

The trunked radio system is a joint project of CU, the city of Springfield and Greene County. The system is a dual analog/digital system with 18 active channels and room for six more when demand requires it. A total of 1,820 radios utilize the system, which covers Springfield and Greene County.

"The trunked radio system that we have in place is a wonderful asset for emergency responders throughout Greene County. We are pleased with the implementation of this system and gratified that we are making the community a safer place to live by enhancing our communications," Coonrod said.

City Utilities Transit Department, the final user group for the new $27 million system, made the transition to the system in January. Since the system was dedicated in July 2002, users have voiced support.

"I have heard nothing but praise from the various users," said J.R. Webb, assistant communications director for the E-911 center. "I have been told that they have coverage even in places where officers expect a black hole."

The trunked radio system was made possible largely by voter approval of the law enforcement sales tax in 1997.