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The crackles, blackouts and message delays caused by old 911 equipment will be a thing of the past in November, when the Police Department breaks in a new system.

The more modern equipment from Motorola will include a new console for the police station and 15 portable radios for beat officers.

It was purchased through a 46-cent telephone surcharge increase approved in a November 1996 referendum.

Oak Forest was one of the first communities to institute a 911 emergency service, said JoAnn Kelly, city treasurer.

For 25 years, police and firefighters have used the equipment because money was not available to update it, she said.

Police Chief John Koch said he also hopes to sign an agreement with Tinley Park police to share a radio frequency.