The Argos Town Council members heard a request from EMS Director Aaron Wagers Wednesday night to purchase 800 MHz radios as they are missing calls through the VHF system due to a bad antenna. They will receive the tone, but no instructions after that.
Wagers explained it would cost about $3,700 to replace the antenna, but with 800 MHz radios taking over in four or five years, he asked to purchase four new 800 MHz Four Series radios and get rid of their antenna.
With an upgrade in operating systems with the department’s Toughbooks instead of purchasing new ones, that money would be available to purchase the radios.
Council members Charles Randy Snead and Shawn Harley voiced support for the purchase.
Snead commented, “I don’t want you to be out there and no communications. Nothing’s worse than being caught and can’t get a hold of anybody if you need help.”
Harley echoed saying, “I don’t want them out there and not have communications. I’ve been very adamant about that with the police department. I feel the same way about EMS and fire. It’s imperative that they have good communications.”
The town council members approved the request to purchase four new radios at a cost of about $9440 with unanimous vote.
