Coronavirus prompts Somerton Cocopah Fire department to upgrade wireless communications

New network prioritizes emergency communications

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Somerton Cocopah Fire Department (SCFD) has updated and upgraded its wireless communications in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

SCFD says wireless networks often get overloaded during times of emergency. Fire officials say the outbreak has put a strain on cellular communications because so many more people are using the same networks at the same time.

SCFD says it's switched to FirstNet to avoid cellular congestion and ensure clear communication between citizens, dispatchers, and EMT and fire crews. FirstNet gives first responders priority access to network resources in times of emergency.

The network was created in response to the communications issues encountered during the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It took years to establish a single, interoperable network for public safety, but Congress established the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) in 2012.

The Somerton Cocopah Fire Department is the first public safety agency in Yuma County to transition to the network.