The Monroe County Commission announces Starlink Initiative

MONROE COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – On August 13, the Monroe County Commission announced the implementation of the Starlink Initiative, a program created by County Clerk Jeremy Meadows, 911 Director Richard Miller, and Sheriff Michael Miller. The initiative aims to provide each county deputy with a mini Starlink terminal, which will be mounted on their cruisers, ensuring continuous connectivity to the 911 Center and other deputies, even in areas with limited or no radio or cellular service.

Since Starlink is satellite-based, its installation requires only a clear view of the sky. This technology offers significant flexibility to deputies, enabling them to utilize it during pursuit operations in remote areas, such as Waiteville, and even operate it as a base station in the middle of a field. Additionally, it can be used to make cell phone calls in areas where traditional cellular service is unavailable.

The Commission unanimously approved the purchase of Starlink Terminals from the Jail Reimbursement fund received from the Opioid Settlement. Clerk Meadows further noted that the initiative has been expanded to include precincts without communication with the Clerk’s office on Election Day and a terminal for voter registration, which was recently utilized at the Back-to-School fair at James Monroe High School.

Clerk Meadows concluded by emphasizing that despite the county’s small size, it should not hinder its embrace of technology that can enhance its capabilities and potentially save lives, particularly those of its dedicated deputies who risk their lives in service.

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