Poudre Fire Authority
Larimar, Colorado
How we verified this
On Colorado DTRS, Poudre Fire Authority's primary dispatch talkgroup 'Poudre FA 1 Disp' carries no encryption badge and is marked Online (active on Broadcastify Calls, i.e. currently carrying decodable/clear traffic), as are Ops 3, 4, and the EMS talkgroup; only 'Poudre FA 2 Ops' is flagged with a partial-encryption badge. This contradicts a fully-encrypted, scope:all characterization.
Encryption Details
What This Means
This is a split system: certain talkgroups are encrypted while others remain in the clear, which means partial monitoring is still possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poudre Fire Authority radio encrypted?
Yes — Poudre Fire Authority's radio system runs on P25 ADP encryption. This is a split system: certain talkgroups are encrypted while others remain in the clear, which means partial monitoring is still possible.
Can I listen to Poudre Fire Authority on a police scanner?
Partially. Poudre Fire Authority encrypts some of its talkgroups while leaving others open, so some channels may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why did Poudre Fire Authority encrypt their radio?
Ask why, and the answer is usually officer safety, sometimes operational security. What is harder to obtain is any documented case in Larimar County where an open channel caused harm. The costs need no such documentation: reporting on fire department response slows down, and mutual-aid coordination gets more awkward, immediately.
Can Larimar County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes. Whoever made this call for Poudre Fire Authority can also unmake it; there's no technical lock-in. The approach that has worked elsewhere combines public-records requests, direct council pressure, and a coordinated local coalition.
What can I do about Poudre Fire Authority encryption?
Start local: show up when Larimar County officials discuss the budget for Poudre Fire Authority, and ask specifically why full encryption was chosen over a delayed feed or tactical-only approach. File a FOIA request for recordings or policy documents, and connect with others nearby who want the same information — a coordinated ask carries more weight than an individual one.