(Riley County, KS – April 2, 2024) State resources were deployed quickly after yesterday’s cybersecurity incident and local emergency disaster declaration in Riley County. For now, local emergency personnel continue to use the backup state radio communications system. 

Additional support arrived from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) Monday evening when the state’s Communication on Wheels (COW) semi-trailer was deployed to Riley County. The COW is being used to augment and improve radio signal strength in the central part of the county, including the city of Manhattan.

“We are grateful for the partnership with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. The state was quick to provide resources in support of our local emergency services. Their help ensures we can continue responding to emergencies and protecting the community effectively and efficiently until replacement equipment arrives,” explained Russel Stukey, Riley County Emergency Management Director. 

Replacement equipment for components in Riley County’s radio communications system has been ordered. The new equipment is expected to arrive and be installed by the end of next week. Until that time, firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel will continue to rely on the backup system. 

“We’re working to replace equipment as quickly as possible. There are no guarantees about the timeline, but thankfully, we do not anticipate any disruption in services,” said Stukey. 

911 dispatch operators can continue receiving calls, dispatching resources, communicating with emergency responders, and activating outdoor warning sirens until the replacement equipment is ready.

This incident remains part of an ongoing and open investigation.