Nov 13, 2025
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Board of Commissioners has approved a major upgrade for local emergency services, signing a $4.35 million agreement with Motorola Solutions for the replacement of 604 radios that are used by first responders across the county. The new radios are set to enhance communication and response capabilities for police, fire departments, EMS, probation officers, and emergency management agencies.
Belmont County 911 Director, Bryan Minder, explained that the funding for the radios comes from a levy, specifically allocated for public safety improvements. "We’re replacing all of the portable radios that are used by first responders in the county," Minder said. "The old radios, which were purchased 12 to 15 years ago, are no longer supported by Motorola. They’re beyond repair, and when they do break down, they can only be fixed with parts from other radios."
The replacement radios are the latest model offered by Motorola, designed with the specific needs of public safety in mind. These state-of-the-art radios will continue to work with Belmont County's current radio system but also come with cutting-edge features that improve connectivity, reliability, and usability.
One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of smart applications. "Motorola is offering us three years of smart app services for all 604 radios, at no extra cost," Minder noted. "This includes the backbone software and equipment needed to run it." This software will allow first responders to not only communicate but also manage their radio settings over both cellular and radio networks, providing more flexibility in critical situations.
Minder highlighted that the new radios come with advanced GPS technology for better location tracking, which is essential for first responders navigating challenging terrains and areas with limited radio coverage. "We’ve had trouble with coverage in certain parts of the county, like Glencoe or Colerain," Minder said. "With the new radios, they can now connect to cellular networks when the radio signal is weak, ensuring they stay connected to the 911 system."
Another major benefit is that these radios will provide a continuous connection even when officers are out of the county or on long-distance prisoner transports. "When our officers leave the county for a pursuit or the jail transports prisoners out of state, they lose connection with our system," Minder explained. "Now, with these radios, they will stay connected wherever they go."
To further enhance coverage, the new radios will also be capable of setting up to 20 Wi-Fi hotspots in areas with poor signal strength. "This means we can set up a public safety Wi-Fi hotspot in buildings or remote areas with weak coverage, allowing the radios to connect and be programmed automatically," Minder said. This innovation addresses a long-standing issue with radio coverage, ultimately improving safety for both first responders and the public.
The new radios are expected to last at least 15 to 20 years, ensuring long-term support for Belmont County’s emergency services. Commissioner J.P. Dutton inquired whether the radios would be available only to county agencies or to all first responders within the county. Minder confirmed that every first responder in Belmont County, no matter the size of their department, would receive a new radio.
"These radios cost about $7,000 each," Minder explained. "I understand smaller villages might not be able to afford them, so the levy funds will cover the cost and ensure all first responders, regardless of their budget, have access to this critical technology."
The new radios will help ensure that Belmont County's first responders are better equipped to handle emergencies, from routine operations to high-pressure situations.