New Joplin tower aims to prevent communication breakdowns during disasters

A new emergency communications tower in northwest Joplin is officially operational.

City and county officials gathered Thursday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new 400-foot Belle Center Communications Tower, located north of Belle Center and Black Cat.

The tower is the fifth in Jasper County's public safety radio network and is designed to strengthen communications between police, firefighters, ambulance crews and 911 dispatchers, particularly during major disasters.

Jasper County Emergency Services Executive Director Brandon McClintock says the project addresses communication problems exposed during the 2011 tornado.

At the time, Jasper County emergency agencies operated on four different radio systems, often preventing responders from communicating directly with one another.

"They could stand on scene and not be able to talk to each other," McClintock said.

The new system allows participating agencies to communicate over shared radio channels, eliminating the need for some of the complicated communication workarounds previously required during emergencies.

Brian O'Dell, communications technical manager for the City of Joplin, said the improvements also address another vulnerability highlighted by the tornado: relying too heavily on a single communications tower.

Previously, a problem with one tower could potentially cause a complete communications failure for the city's system.

O'Dell said the new network incorporates redundant connections, including fiber and microwave technology, making the system more resilient during disasters.

"This system is super redundant and resilient, and I'm proud to say the eggs are no longer in one basket," O'Dell said.

The five-tower network operates as a P25 simulcast system, allowing compatible radios to communicate through the network's interconnected towers.

The network is also connected to the Missouri Statewide Interoperability Network, known as MOSWIN, allowing properly equipped and authorized agencies from neighboring counties and other parts of Missouri to coordinate during major emergencies.

Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson said the improvements could be especially valuable when outside agencies respond to tornadoes or other large-scale incidents.

Joplin Fire Chief Gerald Ezell also recalled past communication problems, including radio transmissions so full of static that firefighters struggled to understand where they were being dispatched.

McClintock added that the new tower is already carrying active radio traffic, although final testing is expected to continue through late November.

The $767,390 project was funded through the Jasper County 911 sales tax, which voters approved increasing from 0.10% to 0.25% in 2021.

Construction was completed in March, with communications equipment installed throughout the summer.

Officials say the investment will continue to evolve as technology advances, providing a stronger foundation for emergency response throughout southwest Missouri.