GIFT IMPROVES EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Cape Girardeau County's Emergency Mobile Communications Command Post van has obtained another important piece of emergency two-way radio equipment, thanks to a $1,200 donation by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Cape Girardeau County Emergency Services Coordinator Brian Miller said the Kenwood high-frequency, single-sideband transceiver is capable two-way voice, teletype, computer-packet, or Morse Code transmission over long distances.

"This is a piece of emergency communications equipment we have needed for some time," said Miller. "It fills a critical gap in our emergency communications capability."

Miller explained the transceiver transmits and receives on both public service and ham radio frequencies. He noted the van is now equipped with a number of two-way radios, capable of transmitting on public service and ham radio frequencies, but none are able to transmit on a single-side band over long distances. He said this would be important in the event long distance telephone circuits are down or overloaded.

Southwestern Bell Public Relations Manager Craig Felzien said the donation was specifically made for the purchase of the transceiver.

"Southwestern Bell Telephone is always prepared for emergencies, and we try to be of assistance to help others be prepared. We felt this was one way to help Brian and Cape Girardeau County improve their emergency communications capability," he said.

The mobile communications van was donated to the county in 1988 by the Jackson Fire Department. Since then, nearly $17,500 worth of communications equipment has been installed in the vehicle.

Much of the equipment has been purchased with donations from Southwestern Bell, the Southeast Missouri Amateur Radio Club, and other civic groups and organizations. The Telephone Pioneers installed the van's telephone system.

"We've certainly come a long way since 1988, when we started with an empty van," said Miller. "But we are continuing to upgrade our communications ability. Right now, we're looking for two-way radios that operate on the aircraft and marine frequencies. This would allow us to communicate with aircraft or vessels on the river."

The communications van and emergency generator that provides electrical power for the van, is a joint project of the Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

Miller said the van serves as a mobile communications and command post - much like a field command post - for major fires, lost persons, accidents, man-made or natural disasters, and law enforcement activities.