Sedona Police Boost Communication with $1.1 Million Radio Upgrade

On April 8, the Sedona City Council approved a significant upgrade to the Sedona Police Department’s radio network, with a unanimous vote finalizing a $1,107,587.30 agreement with Zetron Inc. This decision was made in just 17 minutes, underscoring the council’s urgency to enhance public safety communications.

The agreement allows the city to bypass traditional bidding processes under Sedona City Code Section 3.05.020.C. It permits cooperative purchasing through collaboration with other governmental units, optimizing resources for the city’s best interests.

This linking agreement will synchronize the Sedona Police Department’s radio system overhaul with a similar initiative by the Sedona Fire District. Zetron will replace the outdated analog systems with its advanced MT-4E digital system, which operates on VHF frequency bands. Notably, this system will adhere to the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials Project 25 standards, enabling encrypted message traffic for enhanced security.

The scope of work involves replacing SPD’s four receivers and two transmitters with an upgraded array of seven transceivers and four receivers, supplemented by repeaters, power amplifiers, and cabling. Strategic placement of these transceivers will occur at key locations, including the north end of Airport Mesa, several Sedona Fire District stations, and the local wastewater treatment plant. In contrast, receivers will be installed at critical sites like SPD headquarters and additional fire stations.

Rick Felt, Zetron’s sales manager, acknowledged the challenges of Sedona’s mountainous terrain in optimizing radio communications. “Your mountains are beautiful, but they’re hard for us to navigate radio communications through,” he remarked. This prompted Vice Mayor Holli Ploog to inquire about the extent of the improvements, given the city’s topography.

Felt assured that this upgrade would represent a substantial enhancement, further supported by Don Brown of Zetron, who noted that the system is designed to integrate with existing infrastructure. “This is a closed system with several firewalls and routers,” Brown explained, emphasizing its robust security measures to prevent external cyber threats.

In a light-hearted exchange, Councilman Brian Fultz asked about the system’s vulnerability to cyberattacks, to which Brown confidently replied, “It is completely air-gapped to the outside world.”

SPD Support Services Manager Erin Loeffler highlighted the benefits of adopting the linking agreement, stating it would streamline the remaining phases of the project. She indicated that, if approved, planning would commence around July 1, 2025, targeting project completion by July 2026. Councilwoman Kathy Kinsella clarified that the official order for the equipment would be placed after the new fiscal year begins, ensuring funding is allocated in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

With the council’s unanimous vote, the Sedona Police Department is on track for a technological upgrade aimed at improving public safety and operational efficiency.