Flathead County Emergency Services Radio Tower Project

The Flathead Emergency Communications Center provides 911 and radio dispatch services for the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Kalispell Police Department, Whitefish Police Department, and the Columbia Falls Police Department. The existing radio communication system in Flathead County utilizes one 800 MHz repeater and some VHF repeaters to provide interagency radio communications and interoperability between local and Federal partner public safety, law enforcement, fire-rescue, emergency management, and emergency medical service agencies throughout Flathead County, MT.

Public safety entities are dependent upon reliable radio communications in order to respond and manage incidents in a safe and effective manner. With the existing radio system and the geography of Flathead County, there are coverage gaps and issues with the emergency communications system. Critical information is often delayed or missed altogether due to unreliable radio communications. There are several areas within the County with coverage gaps, where radio communications simply do not work. Emergency responders also regularly face issues with delays and scenarios when they cannot hear dispatch when within certain buildings.

Disruptions in emergency radio communications can create serious safety concerns for law enforcement and emergency responders. Disruptions can hamper their ability to respond to calls and may cause them to miss critical updates from dispatch during serious, evolving incidents. Disruptions in radio communications may also hamper law enforcement’s ability to call for backup.

Flathead County is requesting financial assistance to upgrade the Flathead Emergency Communication Center’s radio system. This project would add (2) 800 MHz Trunked Repeaters to Flathead County 911's Public Safety Radio System. This improvement will provide better coverage and higher quality transmissions for law enforcement radio traffic. 800 MHz is also far better at penetrating buildings such as schools, hospitals, airports, and private homes, wherever dangerous situations may arise.  Improved building penetration when indoors and better coverage in all situations will ensure law enforcement and emergency responders are able to speak to dispatch and to each other when it matters most.

Radio communications serve as a lifeline for every law enforcement officer, firefighter, and other first responders. An 800 MHz system upgrade will directly benefit all emergency service operations in Flathead County.