Oxford Looks To Fix Problems With Aging Radio System

OXFORD, CT — Oxford officials are considering upgrades to the town’s aging radio system after fire officials reported intermittent problems with equipment used for emergency communications.

The Board of Selectmen took up the proposed upgrades Wednesday, according to the meeting agenda. The item was listed for possible approval.

Minutes from the meeting have not been posted, and the agenda does not include a project cost or describe the full scope of the work.

Fire Chief Scott Pelletier told the Board of Fire Chiefs in July that the town needs to move its radio connections to fiber and update receiver sites to address intermittent issues, according to meeting minutes.

The department was also working to connect equipment at the Oxford Center Fire Station with Northwest Connecticut Public Safety Communication Center, which handles dispatching for the town.

That connection would allow dispatchers to see which receiver sites are being used and disable a site remotely if a problem develops. The process currently must be handled manually, according to the minutes.

The town has not said when the upgrades would be completed or how they would be funded.

For more Oxford news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.