BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Botetourt County wants to improve emergency services in the county with the help of a new radio communication system.
When out on a call, first responders say radios can be a lifeline, but in the county’s rural areas they don’t always work.
“I’ve been in areas of the county where you reach out and you get spotty signal or no signal at all and then you’re basically running blind as far as what’s coming to you, or what help you have, or the other units knowing what you need,” Botetourt County firefighter and paramedic Elliott Emerick said.
Emergency leaders are trying to take steps to change that. A new radio communications system and towers could cost millions of dollars, but if you ask them it’d be worth it because it means increased safety for first responders, residents and visitors.
“Right now, the Appalachian Trail is a dead zone for us, so that’ll allow us to communicate to save those hikers and those folks that are coming to our community,” Emergency Communications Systems Manager Matthew Hinckle said.
Rural area access isn’t the only challenge that the current system installed in 1999 brings. It also makes it harder to assist other agencies on calls.
“They’ll actually have to go into Bedford County, and they’ll have to call back to our dispatch who will have to relay that information back to Bedford County dispatch who then relays it to the first responders, which sometimes could be across the street,” Hinckle said.
First responders said the new system will give them more peace of mind whether they’re on or off the clock.
“While I’m away, I’m depending on myself, and the rest of my shift to protect my home,” Emerick said. “When I’m at home, I’m depending on the other shifts to protect my home and my family.”
The county is currently in negotiations with a company and hopes to go in front of the Board of Supervisors for a vote before the end of the year. If approved, it could be late summer 2025 when it’s completed.