As of Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department is blocking the public from listening to its emergency radio communications. Officials announced Monday, Aug. 4, that the radio system would switch to full encryption the following day. This change effectively prevents the public from hearing emergency communications.
Authorities say the move will improve communication among on-scene crews, responding agencies, and Joint Communications Agency dispatchers. The department said the change also aligns the Cedar Rapids Fire Department with the long-standing encrypted radio communication system used by the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
โEncryption of our system was coordinated across public safety agencies within the city, Linn County, and with bordering counties,โ Cedar Rapids Fire Chief Greg Smith said. โThe ability to communicate clearly with our portable, mobile and console units is a critical need for our firefighters.โ
Smith also said encryption will enhance safety for first responders.
โFirefighters need to talk openly with tactical responders during high-risk events,โ he said. โUsing encryption ensures only authorized users are able to hear and respond to the movements and locations of our teams.โ
