BENTON – A project started over two-and-a-half years ago by former Franklin County Sheriff David Bartoni to move the sheriff’s office from analog radio communications to a digital platform is now reality.

Sheriff Kyle Bacon says the digital platform from Motorola integrates cutting edge technology, tailored specifically to meet the sheriff’s office operational needs. Novacom Communications was in charge of upgrading the system.

By utilizing existing government towers and strategically positioning communication equipment, the system has been optimized for maximum performance, without imposing additional costs to taxpayers.

One of the most notable improvements is the interconnection of communication repeater sites throughout Franklin County. This enhancement ensures broader coverage and reliability for deputies working in the rural areas of the county where the previous outdated system underperformed.

The county used federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 for the upgrade.