by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
RILEY COUNTY - On Monday, a local emergency disaster was declared following a cybersecurity incident, which affected the radio communication system used by Riley County first responders.
911 services within Riley County were not affected by this incident.
On Monday evening, additional support and resources arrived in Riley County from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, including the state's Communication on Wheels (COW) semi-trailer.
The COW is being used to improve radio signal strength in the central part of Riley County as well as the city of Manhattan.
“We are grateful for the partnership with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. The state was quick to provide resources in support of our local emergency services. Their help ensures we can continue responding to emergencies and protecting the community effectively and efficiently until replacement equipment arrives,” explained Russel Stukey, Riley County Emergency Management Director.
Riley County Emergency Management has ordered replacement equipment for the components within the radio communications system that need to be updated.
The replacement equipment is anticipated to arrive by the end of next week and will be installed upon arrival. Until then, firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel will continue to make use of the backup system.
“We’re working to replace equipment as quickly as possible. There are no guarantees about the timeline, but thankfully, we do not anticipate any disruption in services,” said Stukey.
The Riley County Communications Center continues to receive 911 calls, as well as calls on the non-emergent line. Dispatchers continue to use their resources to communicate with emergency responders and can activate the outdoor warning sirens, should the need arise, until replacement equipment is ready.
This incident remains part of an ongoing and open investigation.