Richmond firefighters now have access to a state-of-the-art radio system, the city announced Monday.
Richmond Fire-Rescue now operates on a digital network that provides better coverage, clearer audio and greater security. These features will allow for improved communication during emergencies, especially when working in noisy and hazardous environments, the city said.
Firefighters are also using new radios that are easier to manipulate when wearing bulky, protective gloves.
In an effort to increase the public’s privacy, the new network’s encryption also means that first responder communication will no longer be audible on scanners.
The radio system is alreadybeing used by police, fire and ambulance personnel within Metro Vancouver and Richmond Fire-Rescue is one of 32 emergency services transitioning to the new network. Richmond RCMP has been operating on the new system since last May.
