Calhoun County celebrates move to MPSCS Radio System

The Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority hosted a special event marking the official launch upgrading into Michigan's Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS). This milestone is part of a County-Wide public safety improvement project made possible by a 2022 voter-approved 911 millage. The event included a ceremonial “first call” using the new system.

Representatives from Calhoun County Dispatch, local fire departments, EMS, law enforcement agencies, elected officials, Michigan Public Safety Communications System reps, community leaders, media, and members of the public attended.

This event marks the go-live of a new public safety radio system that will truly consolidate communications across all emergency response agencies in Calhoun County. The system utilizes the Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), powered by Motorola, and allows for seamless communication between agencies—something not previously possible with the county’s outdated analog infrastructure.

Highlights of the project include:

• Installation of new radios in all law enforcement, fire, and EMS vehicles County-Wide
• Construction of four new towers and the repurposing of two existing towers with modern technology
• Integration with the MPSCS, enabling inter-agency and out-of-county communication
• Enhanced access to Dispatch in rural areas, significantly improving safety for first responders and the public

This launch addresses critical gaps in emergency communication, including dispatch's inability to monitor fire operations and deputies' limited communication in remote areas when outside their vehicles.
Contents of this video:

00:00 Intro

00:08 Michael Armitage, Exec. Dir,
Calhoun Co. Consolidated Dispatch Authority

02:25 - Ryan Harvey, Vice-President, Governing Board,
Calhoun Co. Consolidated Dispatch Authority

04:28 - Brad Stoddard, Director,
Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS)

07:03 Michael Armitage, Executive Director,
Calhoun Co. Consolidated Dispatch Authority

07:37 Lieutenant Tony Geigle,
Emmet Township Public Safety

12:10 Michael Armitage, Executive Director,
Calhoun Co. Consolidated Dispatch Authority

12:53 Ceremonial first call on MPSCS Radio System