Springfield Fire
Clark, Ohio
How we verified this
As of August 2026 RadioReference lists Springfield Fire dispatch and its tactical/command talkgroups on Ohio MARCS-IP as encrypted, a broader scope than tactical-only; the city's service, utility and 911-center talkgroups remain in the clear.
Encryption Details
Verified Talkgroup Data
Clark County Context
Of the 3 public-safety agencies we track in Clark County, Springfield Fire is currently the only one we have flagged as encrypted.
See every agency we track in Clark County → County encryption overview →
What This Means
Only the tactical side is locked down at this agency — SWAT callouts and sensitive operations. Routine dispatch traffic can still come through on a scanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield Fire radio encrypted?
Yes — Springfield Fire's radio system runs on P25 AES-256 encryption. Only the tactical side is locked down at this agency — SWAT callouts and sensitive operations. Routine dispatch traffic can still come through on a scanner.
Can I listen to Springfield Fire on a police scanner?
Partially. Springfield Fire encrypts its tactical channels, so some channels may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why did Springfield Fire encrypt their radio?
Officer safety and operational security are the reasons agencies give. What rarely comes with that explanation is Clark County-specific evidence that open communications ever caused a problem, while the loss of public oversight and the friction with still-unencrypted neighboring agencies are both immediate and real.
Can Clark County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes. Encryption is a policy choice made by department leadership or elected officials, not a technical requirement, so it can be reversed the same way. Public pressure, city council advocacy, and organized local coalitions have reversed encryption decisions elsewhere.
What can I do about Springfield Fire encryption?
Contact the officials who oversee Springfield Fire's budget directly and ask why full encryption was chosen over partial alternatives. Pair that with a FOIA request for recordings and policy records, and look for an existing coalition in Clark County, or start one, since agencies respond differently to organized, sustained pressure than to individual complaints.