KDSN Radio

Denison, Iowa – Crawford County Emergency Management is proud to announce the completion of the countywide emergency communications system project, a long-term, multi-phase effort to modernize and strengthen critical public safety communications throughout Crawford County.

This radio communications project started in 2015 as a joint project between Crawford County Emergency Management, Crawford County E911, the Crawford County Board of Supervisors and all law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in Crawford County. In 2015, a radio needs study was conducted to determine what updates were going to be needed. Discussions progressed and in 2018 contracts were signed.

 

Construction of the new communications system began in 2019 with the installation of upgraded radio equipment at the Crawford County Communications Center, the Denison tower, and the Schleswig tower. Installation of this equipment was completed in 2019.

As system design and coverage analysis progressed, it became clear that additional infrastructure was required to ensure reliable countywide coverage. As a result, four (4) new tower sites were identified and developed in Charter Oak, Dow City, Manilla and Vail.

Site acquisition and construction of these four new towers began in 2023 and continued over multiple construction seasons. In the summer of 2025, the project reached a significant operational milestone when talk channels were placed into service, allowing first responders across the county to begin daily use of the new system.

 

Today, December 30th, 2025, marks the final phase of the project, with paging operations officially transitioned to the new communications system, fully completing the countywide upgrade.

This project represents a multi-million-dollar investment in critical infrastructure and is a major advancement for the safety of first responders throughout Crawford County. Reliable, redundant communications are essential during emergencies, and this system significantly enhances coverage, interoperability and responder safety.

 

The completion of this system strengthens Crawford County’s ability to support emergency response operations during both day-to-day incidents and large-scale emergencies.

Today’s completion is not the end of our work, it is just the beginning. Emergency Management remains committed to continued collaboration with county leadership, public safety partners, and other stakeholders.

 

Looking ahead, Emergency Management will continue to pursue strategic investments in infrastructure, equipment, personnel and preparedness initiatives that enhance resilience and ensure Crawford County remains ready to meet future challenges.

Point of Contact:

Zach Rasmussen, Coordinator

zrasmussen@crawfordcounty.iowa.gov

(712) 263 – 3195