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(Kearney, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman launched Nebraska’s first regional, multi-county interoperable communications hub today. The 10-county communications system the Governor activated allows the first responders and emergency-service providers in central Nebraska to speak and share information across varied radio systems.
The Governor helped to develop Nebraska’s state plan for bridging the gap between the different bands and brands of radio systems used by ambulance, fire and police agencies. Nebraska’s statewide communications plan calls for the continued development of similar regional radio network hubs that will eventually allow for an efficient statewide system of interoperable communications without the expense of replacing communications equipment. The new hub system uses radio and high-speed computer networks as a bridge.
“No single agency has the tools, people and resources needed to address a major tragedy,” Gov. Heineman said. “Therefore, cross-jurisdictional cooperation and the communication fostered by interoperable radio systems are keys to an effective emergency response.”
Public safety officials joined the Governor in celebrating the successful integration of the Central Nebraska Region for Interoperability (CNRI). The CNRI includes Adams, Buffalo, Dawson, Frontier, Gosper, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Kearney, and Phelps Counties and includes the cities of Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney, Lexington and Holdrege.
The CNRI interoperability project began as a federal Homeland Security grant request and evolved into the system now in place. CNRI allows each county to maintain control of local communications assets and ties together communications resources from participating counties under defined interoperability conditions.
Tony Paulsen, Chief Deputy Sheriff of Buffalo County and a member of the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department, said, “The CNRI and the state regional plan will provide the tools we need to do our best when things are at their worst.”
The CNRI interoperability system places computers in each county communications center, which are connected over a business-class network service, which ensures greater reliability than a standard Internet connection. The new equipment is configured for compatibility with existing communications systems.
Once the new equipment is activated, predefined rules allow for communication among each network on the CNRI system. Depending on the size and scope of an emergency, these communications may involve one, two or all 10 counties.
The total cost for the regional interoperability system was $1.2 million. Because existing communications equipment does not need to be replaced, the CNRI system represents an affordable way to connect city and county systems using a variety of equipment. The system is adaptable, scalable and expandable and allows for dispatcher control.
Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Nebraska’s Director of Homeland Security, said, “Nebraska has focused on creating interoperable radio systems throughout the state to enhance the protection of our citizens and our first responders. The ability for emergency responders to communicate on a daily basis, and particularly during a disaster, can have a significant impact on our ability to respond quickly and efficiently.”
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