[November 27, 2009] Corbin 911 center to replace outdated radios Tweet Nov 27, 2009 (The Times-Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- During stormy weather, Corbin's 911 Center often handles an increased number of calls while dealing with a frustrating -- and potentially dangerous -- problem. "When it rains, the current (radio) system sounds like bacon frying," Corbin Police Chief David Campbell said. The outdated radio equipment will soon be replaced since Corbin has been awarded a grant of about $275,526 from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. The money will be used to purchase and install new radio equipment in the 911 center as well as to replace mobile radio units in police cars and hand held radios, according to David Alsip, chief of communications for the Corbin 911 Center. Campbell said the upgrade is critical for police officers who rely on the equipment as their "lifeline" when in potentially dangerous situations. "We could get an officer injured," Campbell said. Alsip, who estimates the current radio system is at least 12 years old, said the equipment isn't capable of contacting emergency agencies outside the city, including county sheriff's departments and state police, forcing dispatchers to try and contact them by phone. "It's hit or miss by phone," Campbell said. Those contacts can become vital in emergencies that involve multiple agencies, such as during severe storms or after the anhydrous ammonia leak that happened last December at the Corbin Ice Factory and forced the evacuation of the surrounding area, Campbell said. Corbin city representatives have already met with state officials to determine the details of how the grant will be administered. Campbell said the city should soon take bids for the equipment. Installation should take about a month. The upgrade will bring the city into compliance with the federally mandated digital narrow band upgrade that becomes effective in 2013, Alsip and Campbell said. To see more of The Times-Tribune or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.thetimestribune.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]