Riley County’s P25 public safety agency radio communication system lost connection early Monday morning as part of a cybersecurity incident. Emergency responders in Riley County are currently using the backup state system for emergency communications. P25 is a solution for intra-agency communication, which allows for interoperable, multi-agency communications during an emergency.
This radio network issue is affecting all first responders in Riley County, including police, fire, and emergency medical services. However, this connection problem does not impact the public or 911 systems. Dispatch operators are able to receive calls, dispatch resources, communicate with emergency responders, and activate outdoor warning sirens.
“Each dispatch console has a backup, which preserves connectivity. Emergency responders are temporarily using a different radio channel while the issue is investigated. Communication is established and active for all local emergency response agencies,” Russel Stukey, Riley County Emergency Response Director.
In addition, the Riley County Board of County Commissioners met Monday at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the situation and make a local declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the cybersecurity incident. The disaster declaration makes it possible for Riley County to request additional communications transmission resources from the State of Kansas.
The radio communications system is separate from all other communications and technology systems in Riley County. No personal, financial, or other information is associated with this incident, which is part of an active, ongoing investigation.
Riley County Emergency Management is the designated disaster agency for the county. RCEM is responsible for coordinating the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters for all cities and rural areas in Riley County, Kansas. Find more information about RCEM at www.rileycountyks.gov/em or by calling 785-537-6337 during regular business hours.
