Who we are

 

The Virginia Communication Cache are 5 geographically dispersed equipment caches that consist of preprogramed VHF, UHF, 700, and 800 MHz portable radios that are capable of operating on the Law Enforcement and Fire and Rescue resources used within the State. The caches also contain ancillary support equipment stored in three individual, self-contained, field deployable cases. In addition to containing portable radios, each cache contains portable repeaters, tactical audio switches that permit interconnection of disparate radio infrastructure, to support public safety operations.  The 3 main caches are also equipped with radio tower trailers to create or rebuild parts of a radio system. Each cache also maintains the capability to reprogram the cache radios during emergency events to meet unanticipated communication requirements. Each Cache is manned by individuals trained to operated as Communications Technicians, and Communications Unit leaders.

Identification of the Need

The Strategic Planning phase of this project began in 2006 during the annual update process for the Commonwealth of Virginia Strategic Plan for Statewide Communications Interoperability (Statewide Plan). 
During the discussion about the coming year’s initiatives, stakeholders agreed that the National Capital Region (NCR) Radio Cache was a great asset and that Virginia should have a similar deployable resource available.  
Since its inception, there had been many requests to use the NCR Radio Cache (now called the Communications Interoperability Group NCR-CIG); however, the NCR decided it should not be used outside of the 
NCR because it was a regional asset purchased with Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funds.

The initial funding allowed the state of Virginia to create three Level 2 caches that were based out of Fairfax County, Chesapeak- Hampton and Herrisonberg-Rockingham Counties. After the initial phase of operation 
two more level 3 caches were formed to serve more distant parts of the state. These caches are Montgomery County, and Lunenburg County VA. Each cache is managed separately on a local level, but all caches work 
together under a master plan and in coordination with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

The purpose of the caches is to support planned or emergent event through out the state of Virginia. Each of the caches contain a verity of equipment to establish or enhance communications in support of operations.