Ohio Governor, First Responders Demonstrate New Statewide Communications System

Ohio Governor Bob Taft yesterday joined Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Kenneth Morckel, Ohio Adjutant General Gregory Wayt, Ohio Office of Information Technology (OIT) Director Mary Carroll and first responders from around the state to demonstrate the capabilities of the Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS). MARCS is the nation's first statewide voice and data communication system for first responders, according to a release from the state.

"This state-of-the-art communications network gives us an unprecedented ability to share information and create a more efficient system to respond to emergency situations," Taft said. "Communication is a key component to any response strategy and today Ohio's first responders have a tool that will enhance their abilities to serve and protect our citizens."

The voice and data communications system, coordinated by OIT, enables police, fire and emergency management crews throughout the state to coordinate with each other to more efficiently and effectively serve and respond to Ohioans during everyday operations and in the event of an emergency.

Currently MARCS serves 14 state agencies, 138 local health departments, 172 hospitals, all 88 sheriff offices and county emergency management agencies, and more than 110 fire, police, and first responder agencies. MARCS supports voice and data services, utilizing a total of 203 radio sites and supporting approximately 19,370 total voice users and 2,251 data devices. The system is also designed to be compatible with other states' communication systems.

Work on establishing the system began in 2000 and the final communication tower was completed in December 2004. In April 2006 the system became fully operational when the Computer Aided Dispatch system was completed enabling real-time tracking and coordination of activities between first responders and state, county and local agencies.

Recently state and local agencies, first responders, law enforcement and emergency management officials have utilized MARCS in the following capacities:

• On June 21st and 22nd, severe storms caused flooding in Northwest Ohio. MARCS was used to help disseminate information and call for additional resources needed for response/rescue in the area.
• On July 3rd, MARCS was tested during the Red, White and Boom celebration in Columbus. MARCS assisted with crowd control, traffic flow, and emergency response.
• During the National Guard transport to Michigan for annual training in June, MARCS communicated seamlessly with the Michigan system.

During the event, Major General Wayt discussed how the MARCS radios were used when the Ohio National Guard went to the Gulf Coast to assist in the rescue and recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Franklin County Sheriff Chief Deputy Steve Martin gave a local perspective on the importance of MARCS.