Alamogordo Dispatch Center has been experiencing continuous radio issues with Forest Service equipment and frequencies since January 1st 2018. The Lincoln National Forest currently has a vacancy for its Radio Tech position, which leaves the forest with no immediate support available. Multiple attempts to address this situation have been made through help desk tickets and phone calls to CIO. The Regions Supervisory Electronics Technician, who is our primary contact for issues, has been unable to provide the support needed on a timely basis.
The Regional Supervisory Electronics Technician has repeatedly directed us to "figure out a work around". This includes relying on AD and Contracted resources, who may or may not be available and have no purchasing authority. We are also directed to utilize other agency repeaters to get by but do not cover the areas needing communication.
This issue is now critical as we have multiple incidents occurring within the zone. Currently, the 246 fire is a Type 3 fire with an incoming IMT Team, and may go to a Type 2 incident. Alamogordo Dispatch Center has limited radio communication with the 246 Fire. Resources in the field are unable to copy dispatch as radios break out on almost every other word, same applies for dispatch receiving transmissions from incident resources.
This is not a new issue, but one that has been happening continuously with our Forest Service North end radios. |
