Essen is the first fire service in Germany to use Sepura TETRA radios to improve its communications.

Sepura’s STP8000 hand-held and SRG3500 Gateway vehicle radios offer the reliability and functionality that fire personnel expect for the challenging situations they encounter.

"This technology is a quantum leap forward in achieving clear and precise radio communications," said Ulrich Bogdahn, the fire-brigade’s leading officer. "It enhances operational efficiency, to help our efforts in saving lives and property."

The robust STP8000 is designed specifically to withstand a typical fire scenario of water, dust, heat and falling debris.

Audio is loud and clear and the screen is easy to view. Large, well-spaced keys benefit gloved users and class-leading 1.8 watts RF power enables reliable and uninterrupted reception.

A robust, lockable side connector ensures that audio accessories, such as breathing apparatus, remain securely connected under all situations.

Uniquely, SRG3500 vehicle radios support two control consoles - one in the front and one at the rear of the appliance – enabling the crew at the back of the fire engine to communicate directly with the control room.

Furthermore, when operating in Gateway mode the SRG radio acts as a relay point between hand-held and other vehicle radios, to extend the trunked network into areas of limited coverage. 

The radios have been supplied in a contract secured by Selectric GmbH, Sepura’s distribution partner in Germany, and will initially operate on a TETRA network covering the Ruhr District, whilst the new nationwide BOS-net public safety network is being commissioned.

Only a software update will be needed to add the additional functionality required as the country’s secure BOS-net public safety network goes live in the next two years.

Hendrik Pieper, General Manager of Selectric, said: "This system is the forerunner of improved communications technology for fire services throughout Germany, offering outstanding levels of performance and usability."

Kasper Barfoed, Sepura Country Manager for Germany, added: "This is an important sales win for Sepura and Selectric, illustrating the considerable benefit of Sepura products aligned to the support and service our partner offers."