There was a article in ?911 Magazine in ?1998 about Atlanta's new radio system - maybe it was in Firehouse Magazine.
also see ???fireradio@onelist.com for info that I pulled from the FCC website about transmitter sites
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Date: Wed, Sep 1, 1999, 10:27am To: lisbon45@webtv.net Subject: Re: Greetings from Boston MA
Peter:
You have asked some interesting questions that we usually don't think about. I am somewhat of a communications buff, so I think I can help you out. I am personally satisfied with the communications system at face value.
The system that we have is doing exactly what was called for by the city. I think that we could have used more features that were available at the time. (most importantly MDTs)
We don't consider the system "new" anymore. It was put in place before the Olympics, and went fully operational after the Olympics. We don't seem to be having much of a problem with getting out of buildings such as malls, hospitals, etc. Most of the problems are operator error of some type. AFD SOP #99.74 pretty much dictates the operation of the radios and the communications center. Would you like for me to send you a copy? I would like to someday see the AFD go online with at least the dispatch channel.
Calls are dispatched on the main dispatch channel. When the first unit arrives on the scene and establishes command, they are assigned a "tac channel". For single unit responses such as EMS runs and still alarms, we are sent to "Tac. #2" for the duration of the incident. If we are on a multiple company response, we get assigned a tac channel. Tac 3 is the first tac channel used. If Tac 3 is in use, we are assigned Tac 4, and so on up to Tac 6. We are advised at the time if we will have a communications operator on that Tac channel or not. This is based on staffing in communications at the time. FD Dispatch and Tac #2 have an operator online 24 hours a day.
Radios are assigned to companies as follows:
Engine (or Wagon) Company: 3 Radios, Officer, Fire Apparatus Operator, Firefighter/Medic.
Truck Companies: 2 Radios: Officer, FAO.
Command Team (Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Medical Command) 2 Command Radios (full keypad with telephone interconnect) Chief or Med-Com Lt., Command Tech. (Chief's Aide) or Fire Paramedic Battalion Cars also carry spare radios for reserve, and large incidents.
Squad: 8 Radios, Officer, All Personnel (Usually 6 on-duty)
Staff Administrative Personnel: Individuals are issued radios
I hope that this information helps. Please feel free to ask any further questions. Once again, if you give me your address, I'll send a copy of AFD SOP #99.74. Take care and BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!
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Date: Sat, Sep 4, 1999, 12:17pm To: lisbon45@webtv.net Subject: Re: Greetings from Boston MA
Hi:
1350 Howell Mill Road is the City reservoir 315 Chester Avenue is an old shop complex where they store garbage trucks, now. 2315 Bankhead is the Center Hill Park police precinct. The towers are huge 400' self supporting structures, even the ones at the fire stations.
I called HQ yesterday. The only way that they will send the SOP to you is if you send a letter requesting it. They're weird about stuff like that. It's actually pretty simple. Write to: Fire Chief's Office Atlanta Fire Department 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 2001 Atlanta, GA 30308-1807
Ask for a copy of AFD SOP 99.74, Radio Communications. Take Care...
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