Franklin County BOC to Vote Monday on Purchase of New Digital Radios for Sheriff’s Deputies

Franklin County Commissioners are expected to approve the purchase of new digital radios for Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies, who now have to use their cell phones if they need assistance.

In April, 2024 Commissioners signed a contract with Communications International to install the new 911 Communications System, which is now being installed.

This past January, 911 dispatch received five new digital consoles in phase 1 of the transition to the new communications system.

However, Dispatch’s new digital consoles cannot communicate with old analog radios used by Franklin County deputies.

At their work session Tuesday, Commissioner Corey Pulliam said the radios deputies use are essentially useless, and he cited instances when deputies had to use their personal cellphones to call for backup.

Pulliam said it’s a matter of safety, not only for the deputy but also for someone they might be trying to help.

Sheriff Scott Andrews is asking for 18 new radios compatible with the new digital system so deputies can communicate with Dispatch and other law enforcement agencies in Franklin and surrounding counties.

With the trade-in of the old radios, County Manager Terry Harris said the cost for 18 new radios will be just over $5,000 each.

Commission Chair Courtney Long asked if that would be enough radios to get deputies out of danger, and Commissioner Josh Smith said the safety of all county employees should be number one.

After more discussion, Commissioners agreed to vote at their regular meeting Monday to approve the purchase of the new radios for the Sheriff’s Department.