First responders’ communications system nears completion in Cook County

During an emergency or disaster situation community leaders must have the ability to communicate effectively to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

In Cook County, IL, local leaders are demonstrating the importance of preparedness with Project Shield, an ongoing initiative to create a new communications system for first responders. Now in its third and final phase of development, Project Shield will soon be the nation’s largest interoperable communications system. With more than 120 municipalities, including Chicago, Cook County is the second most populous county in the U.S. with approximately 5.3 million residents.

Strong support from county officials is a catalyst for the success of the project. “The ability for first responders to get real-time information in the case of a disaster is essential,” said Todd Stroger, president, Cook County Board. “Project Shield puts that information directly in the hands of the public safety workers who need it most.”

Among the system’s technological highlights, Project Shield will enhance the county’s existing Sheriff’s Radio Network and expand communications capabilities to 80 additional communities. In the event of an emergency, Project Shield allows real-time video and data streams to be exchanged between first responders and vital management facilities, including the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications,

When every second matters, the system has an Emergency Alerting capability to broadcast messages across multiple mediums, including PCs, cell phones and other wireless handheld devices. In fact, listen-only and two-way voice communications can be integrated with any other wireless network that is programmed into the system. Within the plans for Project Shield, a new Cook County Communications Command Center will integrate all regional and statewide public safety communications systems. It is also connected to other critical infrastructures within the county, such as the regional water treatment plants.

The successful implementation of Project Shield will not only aid in the security of heavily populated areas such as Cook County, but will also speed emergency response time in rural locations that have fewer resources and facilities. The system serves as a model for communities around the world to gain a better understanding of how an integrated wireless communications system can save lives through increased efficiencies.

Jeff Picchiottino is an account executive for Major Projects – Security at Johnson Controls. He can be reached at: Jeff.D.Picchiottino@jci.com.

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i'd kind hoped avot/cdx might go here.

never-know

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