The ability of emergency first responders to communicate with one another has become a major concern of emergency preparedness officials in the state. And, it’s a national concern, as well. Asa Hutchinson, a former Undersecretary of the Department of Homeland Security, says emergency personnel responding to situations in Missouri or traveling outside the state must have the ability to talk to each other. Hutchinson says this will be an expensive proposition, but one that must be undertaken. He claims money can come from the sale of freed-up frequencies resulting from the conversion of analog television to digital television.
