Blytheville's Police and Fire Committee discussed updating their radio system. According to Police Chief Ross Thompson and Fire Chief Mike Carney, radio communications are the backbone of emergency services. Thompson said the plans for an upgrade started four or five years ago after some FCC regulation changes. However, he said the police department decided it would be best to involve the Blytheville Fire Department in this communication upgrade. Thompson said they are currently working on combining their channels and equipment, along with working on a plan to build their own network with other emergency responders in the city.