Tune In with Michigan's Public Safety Communications System: Recent Episodes
Michigan's Public Safety Communications System
Tune In with MPSCS is a production of Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System. MPSCS provides a stable, secure framework with advanced technology for interoperable communications among local, state, federal, tribal and private first responders. Join us as we talk tech with staff and first responder partners. Thank you for listening.
In September 1995, Michigan broke ground on Phase I of the MPSCS system. To help us reflect on this journey from those early days to where we are now - and where we are heading - we are thrilled to welcome two MPSCS Pioneers:Theron Shinew, who served MPSCS from 1981 to 2019. He started out as a steeplejack and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director before retiring after an incredible 37-year career.And Bob Batis, Senior Director, Business Relationship Manager with Motorola Solutions. Bob was there from the beginning, when the State partnered with Motorola in the mid-1990s to help build the foundation of what MPSCS is today.https://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/Brad-Theron-Bob-Transcript-Pt-3.pdf
In September 1995, Michigan broke ground on Phase I of the MPSCS system. To help us reflect on this journey from those early days to where we are now - and where we are heading - we are thrilled to welcome two MPSCS Pioneers:Theron Shinew, who served MPSCS from 1981 to 2019. He started out as a steeplejack and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director before retiring after an incredible 37-year career.And Bob Batis, Senior Director, Business Relationship Manager with Motorola Solutions. Bob was there from the beginning, when the State partnered with Motorola in the mid-1990s to help build the foundation of what MPSCS is today.https://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Brad-Theron-Bob-Transcript-Pt2.pdf
In September 1995, Michigan broke ground on Phase I of the MPSCS system. To help us reflect on this journey from those early days to where we are now - and where we are heading - we are thrilled to welcome two MPSCS Pioneers:Theron Shinew, who served MPSCS from 1981 to 2019. He started out as a steeplejack and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director before retiring after an incredible 37-year career.And Bob Batis, Senior Director, Business Relationship Manager with Motorola Solutions. Bob was there from the beginning, when the State partnered with Motorola in the mid-1990s to help build the foundation of what MPSCS is today.Transcript: https://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/Brad-Theron-Bob-Transcript-Pt-1.pdf
What was it like before Michigan built a unified communication system for its first responders? In this episode, we take a step back in time to explore the challenges emergency personnel faced when every agency had its own radio system—and none of them talked to each other.Join Tim Lee, Deputy Director at Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) and former Michigan State Police trooper, as he sits down with retired MSP Lieutenant Joseph Thomas. Together, they discuss the chaos of early emergency communication, when officers juggled CB radios, county, state, and local systems, and even scanners—just to coordinate a response.Don’t miss this look into how far Michigan has come in building a modern, interoperable system to keep communities safe.Transcript: http://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/Joe-Thomas-Tim-Lee-Podcast-Transcript--073025.pdf
Join us for a special 30th Anniversary Edition of the Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) podcast as we honor one of our most dedicated pioneers, Del Rajala, Superior Region Radio Network Technician.From the rugged terrain of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to high-tech innovation and community leadership, Del’s journey with MPSCS is nothing short of extraordinary. A foundational force since the system’s inception, Del was recently named Technician of the Year, a tribute to his relentless dedication, deep technical expertise, and unshakable commitment to his team and community.🔊 What you'll hear in this episode:•How Del tested every square mile of the U.P. during early MPSCS rollout•MPSCS first Communications on Wheels (COW), built by Del in 2005•2010 IT Excellence Award from the Michigan Information Systems Association•Antenna System Replacement at Michigan Tech University•Del’s public service on the Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners for over 14 years, 911 Commission, Vice Chair of the Western UP Health Department, Veterans Affairs, and more.📡 Tune in and be inspired by the legacy of Del Rajala and 30 years of life-saving connectivity across Michigan.Transcript: https://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/Del-Rajala-Podcast-Transcript-Final-June-2025.pdf
🎉 30th Anniversary Edition podcast with Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) and Gray Page, Bay City Supervisor! 🎉As we mark this milestone, we're proud to highlight one of our dedicated team members, Gray Page - Bay Region Supervisor and a longtime MPSCS employee whose commitment continues to shape our success.At our October Division Meeting, Gray was honored with the Director's Award by Director Brad Stoddard. This award recognizes his exceptional leadership, work ethic, and consistently positive attitude.Most recently, Gray played a key leadership role in the Motorola Virtualized Prime (V-Prime) Conversion Project, a major step forward in modernizing our system.For almost 30 years, Gray has made vital contributions to the MPSCS buildout, including but not limited to:🔹 Genesee Simulcast🔹 Saginaw Simulcast & Dispatch🔹 Tuscola Dispatch🔹 Lapeer Simulcast🔹 City of Flint🔹 Midland Simulcast & Dispatch🔹 Bay County & Iosco County DispatchPlease join us in celebrating Gray’s incredible work and 30 years of reliable public safety communications in Michigan! 🔊📡Transcript available here: https://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/Gray-Page-Bay-City-Transcript-Final.pdf
Join Danielle Stewart, MPSCS Business Unit Manager, as she sits down with Adam Philpott from the Indiana Integrated Public Safety Commission (IPSC) to explore his critical role in public safety communications during the Total Eclipse of April 2024.Adam was a featured presenter at the 15th Annual Michigan's Statewide Interoperable Communications Conference in where he delivered a compelling talk: "Communications Success: Lessons from a Total Solar Eclipse."In preparation for the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb declared a state of emergency to ensure the state was ready for an influx of visitors and the potential strain on infrastructure. Thanks to meticulous planning and coordination, Indiana achieved stellar success in managing emergency response, transportation, and communications during this rare celestial event.We also take a moment to celebrate major milestones—30 years of MPSCS and 25 years of IPSC—as we recognize the dedication of our public safety partner to the south. Tune in for an insightful discussion on crisis preparedness, interoperability, and the lessons learned from an event where the stars literally aligned for public safety.https://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/Conversation-with-Adam-Philpott-IPSC_v03142025.pdf
Join us for a special podcast from 'The Hot Seat' with Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) Director, Brad Stoddard. Under Brad’s leadership, the MPSCS has become an internationally acclaimed P25 700/800 MHz digital trunked radio network, ensuring seamless communication and interoperability among local, state, federal, tribal, and private first responders across Michigan. With a distinguished career in public safety communications, Brad brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has served as an engineer with the U.S. Department of Defense at the Joint National Test Facility and currently holds the position of Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) and National Chair, leading Michigan’s efforts in emergency response interoperability. Brad has also chaired the FEMA Region V Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group and the APCO Broadband Committee, and so much more. Tune in to gain insights from Brad’s extensive expertise and discover the critical role of public safety communications in serving all first responders and protecting communities.Transcript: https://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/Brad-Podcast-Transcript-Draft-Pt-1-Final.pdf
Do you have legacy radios approaching end of life? Why is replacement necessary and how do you navigate that change? Where do you turn if you have questions and need answers? RPU/TDU – we’re bigger, better, and more efficient. Tune In to learn what our Radio Programming, Template Design, Console, and Fire Paging Unit do, and the big improvements we have made. Discover the Radio Management tool and how we are modernizing the MPSCS system and support infrastructure.For a full list of Radios Approved on the MPSCS System, please visit our Website at www.michigan.gov/mpscs and go to Radios, Consoles, Pagers and Sirens tab.RPU Hotline: 517-333-2720RPU/TDU Email: MPSCS-RPU@michigan.govTranscript: https://www.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/RPU-TDU-Chris-Kuhl-Transcript-Final.pdf
Join us as we go Behind the Console with Michael Armitage, Executive Director of the Calhoun Co. Dispatch Authority to discuss the important work 911 Dispatchers and PSAP’s do to ensure seamless public safety communications for our first responders.For the month of April during National 911 Education Month, we would like to take the opportunity to thank our Public Safety Telecommunicators for their service and dedication.#thankyou911 #911EducationMonth Transcript: https://cms.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/911-Director-Armitage-Transcript-Final.pdf
Do you have what it takes to become a 911 Dispatcher? Join us as we go Behind the Console with Ray Hasil, Executive Director of the Mason/Oceana Dispatch Authority to discuss the important work 911 Dispatchers and PSAP’s do to ensure seamless public safety communications for our first responders.For the month of April during National 911 Education Month, and for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 9-15, 2023, we would like to take the opportunity to thank our Public Safety Telecommunicators for their service and dedication.#thankyou911Transcript:https://michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/Tune-in-with-MPSCS-911-Ray-Hasil-Transcript-Final.pdf
Did you know that Engineers play a critical role in public safety? At MPSCS, we rely on our Engineers to ensure MPSCS public safety users have the best possible coverage and connectivity. They are integral to the planning and design of the MPSCS's 800 MHz radio system and the MPLS Backbone Network. Today we talk with Greg Farrer, the Engineering Manager at MPSCS, to discuss the valuable work they do. Everything from IP networking, MPLS, to RF propagation and FCC licensing. We also assist public safety agencies to integrate their dispatch centers and RF sites to fortify emergency interoperable communications. Transcript: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/2F74F3059CAB4C9DB583511782C58AC3.ashx
We would like to thank all of our veterans, active, and reservist military for their service.
Did you know that over 40% of our MPSCS staff have served in the military? We have members who have served in every branch, and today on “Tune In with MPSCS”, we talk with one of our Radio Techs David Peck who served with the Michigan Army National Guard and spent some time at Gitmo.
Why do veterans make great employees? What Military Veteran services are available? We answer these questions and more.
Transcript: https://www.michigan.gov/mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Tune-in-with-MPSCS-Veterans-Peck-Transcript.pdf
Are you a Military Veteran and need assistance?
The US Department of Veterans Affairs offers veterans a full spectrum of health care services, disability, emergency assistance, employment guidance, counseling, education, and housing benefits. Go to: www.va.gov, or call 800-698-2411.
Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255. Select 1, or you can text 838255, or visit Veteranscrisisline.net.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency at 1-800-MICHvet. Or visit Michiganveterans.com to learn more or to be connected with a service officer near you.
In this podcast we talk with Kasey Mlujeak from the Michigan Department of Corrections(MDOC) at the Jackson Prison.
Kasey is the Radio Communications Coordinator and Radio Shop Manager. We discuss what all she does to keep over 5,000 radios running, operating, repaired and replaced as necessary at all 27 Michigan prisons.
We discuss all of this and more!
Transcript here: https://www.michigan.gov//mpscs/-/media/Project/Websites/MPSCS/Social_Media/Transcripts/MPSCS-Corrections-Mlujeak-Podcast-Transcript.pdf
In this show we talk with Kevin Sehlmeyer, State of MI Fire Marshal and MI Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board member to discuss radios, fire fighting, interoperability, MI Prevention and Community Risk Reduction.
What does the Fire Marshal do, and what is the Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board? What is Interoperability? What technologies have improved fire fighting?
In the 2nd half, we talk about the program MI Prevention. What does the data say about the biggest risks for fire fatalities, and what can YOU do to keep you and your family safe.
RESOURCES:
MI Prevention www.miprevention.org
Regional Statistics https://mfis.org/fire-stats
National Fire Protection Association www.NFPA.org
VISION 20/20 www.strategicfire.org
National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association www.ncoaa.us
American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/prevent-home-fire.html
Resources for Teachers & Kids: https://ymiclassroom.com/lesson-plans/soundoff-teachers/ https://www.sparky.org/
Transcript: www.michigan.gov/documents/mpscs/MPSCS_Fire_Marshal_Podcast_Transcript_v2_743121_7.pdf
In this episode we chat with Jason Simmons, a subscriber radio tech from Michigan's Public Safety Communications System. He covers the Lansing Radio shop in 11 Michigan counties, stretching from Gratiot down to Barry County, across to Livingston.
Subscriber radio techs maintain and repair the radio network and communications equipment for various first responder State of Michigan agencies, such as the Michigan State Police, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and even the National Guard.
Some of the equipment include 800MHz radios, modems, cameras, and radars. You will also learn what some of the tones of the radio mean.
Transcript is available here: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpscs/MPSCS_Radio_Tech_Podcast_with_Jason_Simmons-Transcript_730723_7.pdf
The NCC or Network Communications Center is available 24 hours a day to assist public safety members with issues regarding system problems and maintenance. They are a lifeline to dispatchers and agencies that rely on the system that supports first responders.
Public safety members include state agencies, local, federal, tribal, county and private public safety first responders.
What is the day like in the NCC and how did it start? We talk with Marty Gillis who has worked in the NCC since its origins to answer those questions.
Transcript is available here: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpscs/MPSCS_NCC_Podcast_Transcript_V4_722132_7.pdf
In this episode we chat with Nate Salziger. He's a steeplejack and Tower Tech from Michigan's Public Safety Communications System who covers the west side of Michigan.
Steeplejacks scale the MPSCS towers up to 485’ tall to do installation and maintenance work on the towers, such as repairing or installing lights or other components such as antennas, microwave dishes or cabling mounted on towers.
Transcript is available here: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpscs/Tune_In_Hanging_with_Steeplejacks_with_Nate_Salziger_Transcript_717789_7.pdf