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8 <br /> � �� �, ��� � �.,��� �- 2012 <br /> �r« .�- � '�' �.�a�� � q}� ',�''.0 1 �.� .��n�;:���.�s ..'^�` �"'r��:' <br /> x.�� �`�. �,��� � �<z �,., b�,� .. <br /> GOALS <br /> The Orange County Chief's Association recognizes the important interdependencies that exist to provide <br /> emergency services to the citizens of Orange County.These goals are a mix of work that the OCCA can <br /> complete independently and with others.Therefore,successful implementation of this plan and <br /> completion of each objective often requires cooperation and communication with other key <br /> stakeholders. <br /> The OCCA recognizes that the importance of keeping in mind the"big picture,"and has supported <br /> adopting specific standards and identified timeframes for doing so throughout this plan.The OCCA <br /> encourages its key partner agencies to do the same.The Orange County ChieYs Association invites and <br /> encourages the Orange County Board of Commissioners to carefully consider the goals and objectives in <br /> t <br /> this plan and how they can positively impact the citizens of Orange Coun y. <br /> GOAL I: Ensuring Viabte and Reliable Voice and Data Communication <br /> Oblective A: To work with Orange County, relevant law enforcement agencies,the North Carolina <br /> Highway Patrol,and outside experts to apply technology solutions to insure 99%radio coverage <br /> throughout Orange County with building penetration by July 2013.The MMA Report acknowledged <br /> these deficiencies, noting that"dead spots and poor building penetration place responders at risk when <br /> operating under emergency conditions:'' <br /> Background:Currently,the VIPER(Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders) digital <br /> 800MHz system provides inadequate radio coverage for emergency services pe�sonnel across <br /> Orange County.VIPER was originally designed for use at street level by the North Carolina <br /> Highway Patrol. Fire and rescue providers often respond to calls beyond the highways,creating <br /> substantial safety hazards.As Orange County Emergency services notes:"The current svstem <br /> does not provide 100%covera�e—there are"dead spots:i8 VIPER has problems with coverage, <br /> capacity,and building penetration. <br /> Construction of new towers in strategic locations may be required to address this problem. <br /> Some fire departments in the county, including Chapel Hill, Efland,and White Cross, have <br /> already purchased mobile repeaters to partially address this issue.These repeaters are vehicle <br /> based, and cost approximately$20,000 each,and are not considered adequate substitutes for a <br /> full tower.9 <br /> The VIPER system is strained from its use by all Orange County public safety agencies. Due to the <br /> increased usage, users are sometimes confronted with"busy bonks,"a beeping when trying to <br /> transmit due to system overload.The problem and the solution have been acknowledged by <br /> Orange County. Adding channels to existing towers will improve system capacity.The cost of <br /> „ <br /> one channel added to one tower is approximately$30,000 and multiple channels will be needed <br /> on multiple towers. <br /> „io <br /> �MMA Consulting Group,April 2011,p.78 <br /> 8 Orange County Board of Commissioners,November 17,2011 Adion Agenda Item#8-d Abstract:Review of VIPER <br /> 'Adapted from Orange County Board of Commissioners,November 17,2011 Action Agenda Item#1 Abstract:VIPER <br /> 'o Orange County Board of Commissioners,November 17,2011 Action Agenda Item#1 Abstract:VIPER <br /> 7 <br />