New Radios

Years after the 2008 flood exposed flaws in emergency communications, first responders in Iowa's second largest county are using a new radio system so they can talk to each other. Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner says his office and police departments in Hiawatha, Mount Vernon, Lisbon and Robins started using the new digital system Monday. Marion started using it last week, and Cedar Rapids is scheduled to make the switch Feb. 11. It cost more than $19-million.