Washington County Upgrades Public Safety Radio System, Enhancing Emergency Response

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Washington County Wireless Communications has announced the completion of a significant modernization of the county’s public safety radio system. The previous low-band radio system, which operated on frequencies 33.86, 33.80, 33.82, and 33.84 MHz, was officially retired on November 20, 2025. This transition, planned over the past two years, ensures that all emergency agencies were given ample notice to prepare for the change, marking the end of the familiar midnight broadcast and the low-band radio call sign “KGC-676.”

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Fire and EMS stations across Washington County are now utilizing the advanced P25 digital radio system. Radio transmissions that were previously handled on 33.86 MHz for dispatch have been moved to the frequency 453.650 MHz. A key feature of this new system is its capability to support secure, encrypted channels for fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) teams when necessary. This added layer of security is balanced with the continued use of unencrypted communications for routine operations, ensuring seamless interoperability among all responding agencies.

“Upgrading the P25 digital radio system is a major step forward for public safety in Washington County,” said R. David Hays, Director of Emergency Services. “This upgrade ensures that our fire, EMS, and other first responders can communicate quickly, securely, and effectively, keeping our community safe.”

The P25 system is also undergoing further enhancements, including the establishment of a second master site in a separate location. This strategic addition will provide crucial redundancy and bolster the overall reliability of the communication network. Upon completion of these upgrades, emergency communications are expected to become faster, clearer, and more dependable throughout Washington County.

“Retiring the low-band system and fully transitioning to P25 marks a major milestone in how Washington County supports its first responders,” said Tom Weber, Deputy Director of Wireless Communications. “This modernization not only improves clarity and coverage, but also strengthens system resilience with new redundancies and enhanced capabilities. Our communications network is now better equipped to meet the demands of today’s emergency operations, and we’re committed to continuing these advancements for the safety of our responders and our community.”

The Division of Emergency Services has expressed its gratitude to all fire, EMS, and public safety personnel for their cooperation and support during this extensive upgrade process. This modernization effort represents a substantial investment in the safety and efficiency of emergency response services for the residents of Washington County.