JACKSON, Mich. — Jackson county is launching a new radio system Wednesday morning to make it easier for police and fire agencies to communicate with each other.
Police and fire agencies in Jackson are launching a new communications system.The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said this new radio system will eliminate any dead spots for first responders across the county and state when there is an emergency.
The over $7 million switch has been in the works for the past three years after voters approved a 9-1-1 surcharge for monthly phone bills in 2016.
In that time, three new towers in county townships were built to work with two existing state towers.
Jackson County Sheriff Steve Rand said first responders will now be able to connect with state police and federal agencies to make responding to an emergency more efficient and safer.
Sheriff Rand says hundreds of fire pagers were given to firefighters county-wide and all public safety personnel received new portable car radios.
The sheriff says this will give units in the field clearer, more concise information when responding to calls
Law enforcement agencies in Jackson County will switch over to the new system at 6 a.m.
Fire departments will gradually make the switch in the coming weeks.
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