Chicomm Blog

In today’s interconnected world, some folks assume that it’s easy to tie together WiFi, video, and two‑way radio communications.

Not quite. 

Julie Shannon has witnessed many changes during her long career in the communications industry.

Before becoming a member of the Chicago Communications team in April, She spent 28 years serving in many different capacities at Miner Electronics: purchasing, receiving, dispatching, invoicing, and even doing payroll.

When we think of parks and recreational areas, we think of being in nature, experiencing peace and serenity. We go there to clear our minds, stroll with friends, or picnic with our families. 

When a park is managed right, visitors don’t have to worry about whether the park is safe and secure.

Keeping park facilities and visitors safe is the job of the park district, along with their communications provider.

Since the merger of Chicago Communications with Miner Electronics in early 2021, personnel from the two companies have enjoyed the benefits of combining forces. 

A great example is account executive John Schoon, who brings a wealth of experience to the Chicago Communications team from his background working with public safety organizations to optimize their communications systems.

If you're planning a purchase of two‑way radio packages, you may wonder what is included. Is it just the radios? Will you need to purchase batteries, chargers, and other items separately?

Whether you're doing comparison shopping or worried that you might be misled by the prices being advertised by a vendor, this blog will help you understand what's provided when you purchase radios from a qualified two-way radio service provider. 

Most two‑way radio service providers do provide packages that include everything you need to start communicating with two‑way radios.

How do you know if multi‑channel two‑way radios are the right choice for your team’s communication needs? And what do you need to know about them to make sure they’re working optimally?

Although Bob Gonsiorowski just joined the Chicago Communications team in 2021, he brings almost three decades of experience in communications and electronics to his position as Director of Indiana Operations. 

Bob spent 28 years with Miner Electronics, which Chicago Communications acquired on April 5, 2021. As one of the people ensuring a smooth merger process, Bob devotes some of his workday to the details of combining the two companies while also overseeing operations at the Munster, Indiana, office.

In Illinois, STARCOM21 pays off in increased public safety. STARCOM21 is a radio system that offers reliable high‑speed mobile connectivity to more than 60,000 subscribers in Illinois. In this blog, we’ll discuss the system in more detail, including a case study of how one police department overcame serious safety issues by fixing coverage problems with their STARCOM21 system.

Public safety depends upon people like Alek Shvartsburg, a committed field technician responsible for maintaining 911 communications dispatch centers, including the busy Cook County Sheriff’s Department.

Alek describes some hair‑raising adventures as a technician, including climbing a 20‑story building to work on an antenna and coping with a broken elevator in the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

Preparing Your Communications System for Changes in Illinois law

With high‑profile law enforcement cases in the news and a new law requiring Illinois law enforcement departments to utilize officer‑worn body cameras, it’s important to understand the evolving law and how it affects public safety and 911 communications.