Tune In with Michigan's Public Safety Communications System

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 Dispatch Please 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