By Aaron Knapp, Staff Reporter
Lorain County, OH – After nearly six years of political debate and setbacks, first responders in Lorain County are finally utilizing a new radio network, a development celebrated by the Sheffield Village Fire Department in a recent public post. The post expressed pride in the efforts of Cleveland Communications Inc. (CCI) for completing the Harris 700/800 Phase II P25 network, a system the fire department stated first responders have long desired.
Fire Department Celebrates Network Completion
The Sheffield Village Fire Department highlighted that even amidst a pending federal lawsuit filed by CCI against the Lorain County Board of Commissioners, the company successfully built out the network. The post further noted that agencies who independently acquired compatible radios will be able to utilize the system imminently. This achievement comes even before Motorola, the company ultimately awarded a nearly $19 million contract by the county, has begun construction on their proposed system.
Controversial Contract Rescission
The situation surrounding the radio system upgrade has been fraught with controversy. In late 2022, county commissioners initially approved a contract with CCI for a new phase two radio system, estimated at $6.7 million. However, in 2023, Commissioners David Moore and Jeff Riddell voted to rescind this contract, citing concerns about the legality of the process and alleging that Commissioner Michelle Hung had improperly influenced the agreement. These allegations triggered investigations that ultimately found no wrongdoing on Hung’s part but led to significant delays.
Legal Battle Ensues with Racketeering Allegations
The decision to rescind the CCI contract prompted a lawsuit from the company, alleging breach of contract and denial of due process. The legal battle escalated with CCI filing an amended lawsuit that included allegations of racketeering activity against County Administrator Jeff Armbruster and Commissioner David Moore, accusing them of attempting to steer the contract to Motorola and retaliating against CCI. This lawsuit remains pending in federal court.
First Responders Voice Concerns Over Old System
Meanwhile, first responders had been vocal about the dire need for an upgraded communication system. Reports from early 2023 detailed significant issues with the existing radios, including unreliable reception in certain buildings and areas of the county, hindering communication between deputies and with other agencies. Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Detective Captain Robert Vansant previously stated, “In certain buildings and certain parts of the townships, we just don’t get any radio reception at all. And that’s our lifeline.”
Some Agencies Take Independent Action
Some fire chiefs, including those from Avon, Avon Lake, North Ridgeville, Sheffield Village, and Sheffield Lake, took matters into their own hands and purchased the same radio system as proposed by CCI. Elyria Fire Chief Joe Pronesti expressed concerns about the lack of interoperability with these communities under the previously proposed alternative system.
Political Divide and Frustration
The rescission of the CCI contract drew strong reactions from first responders, with the Lorain County Fire Chief’s Association President Mike Wetherbee stating in January 2023, “We think all of this is political. We have no communication thread, that’s what we’re pushing for a system everyone can talk on, a good reliable system.”
Commissioners Defend Their Actions
Commissioner Moore defended his vote to rescind the CCI contract, claiming the process was flawed and involved “bid rigging and steering.” In contrast, Commissioner Hung maintained that the process was legal and proper.
New Network Operational Despite Controversy
Despite the ongoing legal challenges and political disagreements, the recent post from the Sheffield Village Fire Department indicates that at least part of the solution preferred by first responders is now in place. CCI, in their own statement, expressed pride in their staff’s efforts, stating, “promises made, promises kept,” and emphasizing that the first responders of Lorain County are now “safer and enjoy more coverage than ever before.”
Looking Ahead
The situation in Lorain County highlights the complexities and challenges involved in upgrading critical public safety infrastructure, especially when intertwined with political considerations and legal disputes. While the completion of the CCI network marks a significant step forward for first responder communication, the underlying tensions and legal battles suggest that the full resolution of this issue may still be some time away.