Umatilla County will receive a high-tech emergency communications unit
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 10th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners has approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Human Services for the loan of a compact rapid deployable (CRD) communications unit.
It can be used for emergency response, disaster communications, training, and continuity of operations. The unit is equipped with an annual allocation of 15 GB of satellite bandwidth at no cost to the county.
Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer says it’s a great tool in areas where communications are difficult, like Juniper Canyon. He added it will be valuable to the newly-established North Pendleton Rangeland Fire Protection Association.
“This is going to aid them in responses,” Shafer said. “It’ll have better communications, better satellite information. They’ll have internet access out there. It’ll be a wonderful tool to add to the toolbelt.” The group of volunteers forming the new association is comprised of farmers and ranchers. Its president is Randy Bracher and its secretary is Pake Sorey.
