Plenty Fire Brigade volunteers David Bolden and Sarah Gibson
CFA is set to deliver more than 18,000 new radios across the state which will improve brigades’ communication in the field.
CFA conducted a three-month pilot in March 2023 which involved 15 brigades from different parts of the state. The pilot program assessed a range of radios in everyday operational activities, installation processes and training materials.
The feedback from the pilot brigades enabled selection of the preferred radios and contributed extensively to the planning for the full rollout across the state.
Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said this significant upgrade to our radio devices will strengthen our communications at incidents which also strengthens our emergency response from brigades.
“The new radios will have multiband capability which allows direct communication with our partner emergency service agencies here and interstate, further boosting our interoperability,” Garry said.
“They also include additional functionality including GPS on the handheld portable radios which improves firefighter safety on the frontline.
“It’s important for CFA to continue to upgrade its devices with the latest technology and we look forward to the completion of this vital program.”
The $138.8 million Radio Replacement Program was funded by the Victorian Government as part of a 10-year services contract to upgrade and support CFA’s radio equipment.
The rollout of the new devices will include all vehicle, handheld and base radios.
Plenty Fire Brigade Captain David Rumble, whose brigade was part of the three-month trial, said the new radios are fantastic.
“They’re simple, intuitive, easy to pick up and use and their multiagency ability is incredibly useful at an incident,” David said.
“Our brigade has thoroughly enjoyed using them and we look forward to seeing them utilised across the state.”
CFA expects the radios will be rolled out over a 15 to 18-month period commencing mid 2024.
