Scioto County nearly covered thanks to MARCS grants
Thanks to MARCS grants from the State of Ohio, communication between first responders in Scioto County has now stepped into the digital age. MARCS stands for Multi-Agency Radio Communication System. The MARCS system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication first responders in Ohio and for a 10-mile radius outside of Ohio.
First responders can not only communicate within their department but with other departments in the state.
Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis revealed that every fire department in the county had received a $30,000 grant for the improved communication system, with the exception of two that were still working on finalizing the paperwork.
He also said that nearly all of Scioto County now has radio coverage with the exception of one “bubble” that runs from the top of Divide Hill to Twin Valley. That appears to be caused by an antenna issue that’s being worked on. MARCS is trying to find a place to place a tower to boost signals.
Davis said this was especially needed in rural departments like Rarden, Otway, and Nile township. At Tuesday’s County Commissioner’s meeting funds were approved for a patch to the system that would allow departments to communicate via text as well over the radio. This could prove to be helpful in noisy situations where it might be difficult to understand an audio transmission.
“We’re quite pleased with the steps we’re taking,” Davis said.
“Hopefully, this will save lives.”