November 4, 2024
MUSCATINE, IA – Muscatine County, Iowa is proud to announce the transition of their new mission-critical land mobile radio (LMR) network, built on Project 25 (P25) standards for interoperability. The Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS), from Motorola Solutions, will increase radio coverage, improve signal reception and voice quality and enhance interoperability for Muscatine County first responders, including police, fire and EMS.
“We are excited to unveil the new ISICS radio network and to begin using it across our public safety agencies,” said Chris Jasper, Director Emergency Manager/911. “This system provides significant communication enhancements for our personnel to better serve our residents. With this trusted technology, we can move forward with confidence in the usability, security and reliability of radio communications to help keep our communities safe.”
The system, which consists of seven (7) radio towers, will support reliable, seamless communications between users day-to-day and during large-scale emergencies. It provides resiliency against service disruptions, coverage where it is needed and secure communications between first responders.
“The new system will allow our ambulances going to Davenport and Iowa City the ability to still communicate with the Muscatine County Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM), which is critical for patient care and fire department operations,” said Muscatine Fire Chief Jerry Ewers.
The new ISICS platform also gives those same ambulances and jail or law enforcement transport vehicles the ability to communicate with MUSCOM from anywhere in the state according to Jasper. The ISICS system will also enhance Muscatine Counties interoperability with their neighboring counties, state agencies and other first responders that respond to assist with emergencies or disasters in the county.
“From responding to a severe storm to escorting a parade, and all their duties in between, this mission-critical radio network seamlessly connects police, fire and EMS as they work together to keep our community safe,” Jasper said.
The ISICS transition was first discussed with the Muscatine County Joint Communications Commission several years ago and the group dedicated funds for the transition starting in FY 23/24. The project included taking over possession of a radio tower from the State of Iowa at Wild Cat Den State Park.
“The Joint Communications Commission dedicated funds for this project 2 years ago. It has been nice to see it through to the end and it finally come to fruition,” Jasper said.