County of Los Angeles Fire Department, CA, USA

The Department partnered with RadioMobile, a provider of mobile data communications technology to Fire and EMS departments and a Tait Communications partner to devise a solution. RadioMobile proposed the creation of a private LMR-based mobile data network combining several RadioMobile and Tait technologies.

RadioMobile
The proposed solution would ensure coverage well beyond commercial broadband by automatically switching between LMR and LTE depending on network availability and speed. In addition, the network would be closed to outside threats placing security under greater control. Finally, because the Department was no longer dependent solely on commercial broadband, the network would have an overall lower cost-of-ownership.

“We chose RadioMobile based on the strength of their technology and their ability to understand the Department’s very specific needs,” according to England. “Also, we had heard about the remarkable things they had done for the Los Angeles (city) Fire Department and CAL FIRE, so we knew they could deliver on their promises.”

Meanwhile, Casey made efforts to better understand the needs and wants of the stakeholders and end-users. By building a relationship with stakeholders and the Sheriff’s office, Casey gained a better understanding of their requirements and expectations. Furthermore, the existing communications department of Napa County required an entire operational overhaul to better align with the goals Casey and Adam were aiming to achieve.

The Napa County communications team then sought out the expertise of engineers from CSI Telecommunications based out of San Francisco. This collaboration proved to be invaluable as they obtained a better understanding of how to engineer high-level and low-level sites across a county defined by topography with varying landforms. Casey and Adam also received essential support from their dealer, Vision Communications. Senior Account Manager Cathy Conley of Vision Communications proved to be a vital partner, providing workshop solutions and ongoing support throughout the entire process.

Enhancing radio coverage for multiple law enforcement agencies required upgrading and expanding existing radio systems while ensuring they were reliable. The original simulcast system solely supported T-1 transport but not Ethernet. To solve this problem, the team deployed routers capable of bundling multiple T-1 transports to create a unified Ethernet transport. This solution allowed the team to remotely monitor environmental conditions while also controlling, programming and diagnosing systems with remote equipment. In addition, it enabled them to change settings on the Tait base stations to achieve the best possible coverage.

While the technicians were led by Adam, Casey sought land rentals and leases to expand coverage with multiple sites. Ultimately, the team was able to establish 6 transmitting sites and 15 receiving sites with limited overlapping and maximum coverage.

As a result of the deployment of its LMR-based mobile data network, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department stands better prepared to protect the lives and property of its residents and visitors than ever before. The network provides a layer of redundancy when commercial broadband is unavailable or compromised as is often the case in natural disasters. And because the network supports data communications, the Department can share vital details such as map locations, pre-plans, dispatch details, and more. Plus, the Department now has greater control over the cost and security of its emergency communications and infrastructure.

Future plans call for the integration of the Department’s network into the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS). LA-RICS will utilize 22 towers and LMR technology like that deployed for the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to create a unified web of communication, eliminate barriers to multi-jurisdictional responses and allow police, firefighters, and paramedics to communicate directly with users outside of their agency.

“The mobile data network helps us deliver on our mission to protect lives, the environment, and property of those we serve by keeping everyone informed and connected,” says England. “We look forward to the time when the entire region can share live-saving data and information as easily.”