ELYRIA, Ohio — Controversy surrounds the Lorain County Commissioners' vote to authorize a $13.8M deal for a new public safety communication system.
First responders in the county remain wary of the new setup provided by Motorola Solutuons.
"I think it's a dangerous situation for us and for residents," Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti said.
Those who are frustrated with the decision, including Stammitti, say the commissioners did not include local first responders in the approval process.
"We were just ignored, shoved to the side," Village of Wellington Fire Chief Mike Wetherbee claimed.
Wetherbee told 3News the decision will cost the taxpayers because area agencies will just choose not to use the Motorola system. However, Commissioner Jeff Riddell disagrees.
Riddell and Commissioner David J. Moore voted in favor of the new radio system.
"It's hugely successful for the safety of the people and the ability of the safety forces to protect them," Riddell, who along with Commission President David J. Moore voted in favor of the change, said.
Meanwhile, Stammitti believes the system is not best for residents.
"We just want the best systems for the police and fire," he stated, adding his assertion that the new technology "does not work in the buildings."
But Riddell argues that Lorain County will be the 78th of 88 counties in the state to use the new radio system.
"I think the track record shows that it performs," he said.
Wetherbee told us the decision to approve the Motorola Solutions radio system won't stop first responders from using what they trust.
"We're still going to do everything we can do to make sure our residents are safe," he declared. "We're just going to do it on a different radio system than what the commissioner's are using their money to purchase."
Per Ridell, the new system should be in place in about 18 months. Moore released the following statement on the approval of the network: