Langley firefighters
Langley firefighters better equipped to protect people and property
Firefighters in the City of Langley and Township of Langley are now communicating with robust, top-of-the-line equipment that enhances audio clarity and improves safety for first responders and the community.
On May 23, the Township of Langley Fire Department became a member of the E-Comm Wide-Area Radio Network, which allows firefighters, police officers and paramedics to all communicate on the same channels.
“Being a part of the network will have an enormous impact on how firefighters do their jobs and their ability to help keep our residents safe.”
Chief Stephen Gamble,
Township of Langley Fire Department
“We have been looking forward to this for a long time,” said Township Fire Chief Stephen Gamble, adding that the improvement to the clarity of calls coming in was immediately noticeable as soon as the system was implemented. “Being a part of the network will have an enormous impact on how firefighters do their jobs and their ability to help keep our residents safe.”
“Our firefighters work in all kinds of extreme conditions as they protect people, property, and the environment, and the radio is literally a lifeline,” said Township of Langley Mayor and E-Comm Board Director Jack Froese. “Ensuring the well-being of first responders and the public is a top priority and the new Wide-Area Radio Network system and equipment will enhance both operations and safety, especially in mutual-aid situations.”
Langley City Fire Rescue Service completed its transition to the E-Comm Network on April 17.
“The E-Comm radio network provides first responders with significant safety improvements through increased area coverage and audio quality,” said Fire Chief Rory Thompson. “Prior to the changeover, there were areas in the city where first responders had limited radio coverage. Often, crews had to exit a building in order to reach our dispatch. Apartment block parkades and elevator shafts no longer limit our radio coverage. The new radio system has solid coverage across the whole city.”
“Apartment block parkades and elevator shafts no longer limit our radio coverage. The new radio system has solid coverage across the whole city.”
Chief Rory Thompson,
Langley City Fire Rescue Service
Langley City Mayor Ted Schaffer is excited about the new radio system. “For the first time, police, fire and ambulance responders can talk to each other about the same incident. This will enhance the City’s ability to cohesively respond to any emergency including a large-scale disaster.”
E-Comm’s Wide-Area Radio Network is the largest multi-jurisdictional, tri-service emergency radio system in British Columbia. First implemented in 1999, E-Comm recently completed a replacement of the regional network based on new digital radio technology. Now, more than 30 agencies—including BC Emergency Health Services within Metro Vancouver and Abbotsford, all police agencies in Metro Vancouver and Abbotsford, and 15 fire departments in Metro Vancouver—communicate on the network.
