Tehama County Sheriff pushes for upgrades to emergency radio communications | News

RED BLUFF, Calif. – Tehama County Sheriff Dave Kain is seeking additional funding to upgrade the county’s emergency radio communications.

The Tehama County Board of Supervisors is backing his request with a letter that will be sent to Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

Terry Mackey, a former firefighter and current resident of Tehama County, expressed his lack of surprise at the situation.

“It doesn’t surprise me, quite honestly living here all my life and it doesn’t surprise me the county gets behind the power curve and being able to keep up with technology,” Mackey said.

Mackey emphasized the importance of effective communication for first responders.

“The more they are able to do their job, the more they are able to be secure in what they’re up to, better for everybody,” said Mackey.

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support the sheriff’s push by reaching out to Congressman LaMalfa. Mackey appreciated the bipartisan support for public safety.

“It’s great to know that we don’t let partisan politics get in the way of the everyday person’s safety, so the fact they’re all on board is very good very reassuring that we’re all pulling in the same direction,” Mackey said.

The letter highlights that the current communication equipment for the Sheriff’s Office in Tehama is outdated and struggles to cover rural and mountainous areas. It also mentions the limitations in inter-agency coordination during emergencies.

Matt Hansen, chairman of the Tehama County Board of Supervisors, expressed confidence in Congressman LaMalfa’s support.

“I am sure that if the funds are available he won’t forget Tehama County, he’s always present in our county, has been very helpful in our community support,” Hansen said.

Hansen described the proposed improvements as a multi-million dollar, three-phase project, emphasizing their necessity for public safety.

“Our radio system right now is an officer safety concern. It is several years old past its respectable use of life and our officers and deputies are out there on the field and they depend upon this communication ability to navigate emergencies and it’s a very important part of public safety and it’s something a priority to the board,” said Hansen.

Action News Now reached out to the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office but was informed that no one would be available to comment on the issue until next week.

The full letter that the Tehama County Board of Supervisors approved to send to Congressman Doug LaMalfa can be read in its entirety below: