Homeland Security officials in Tennessee say the state is on its way to developing a network that will simplify communication among first responders in emergencies.
Jeremy Heidt is the spokesperson for Tennessee’s Emergency Management Agency. He says Tennessee is in much better shape than it was before 9/11 when communicating with local, state, and federal agencies proved to be a big problem. Now, Heidt says the challenge is to streamline the improvements that have been made.
“We can make those systems talk to each other, but it has to be connected by a technical expert. What we’re trying to get to is a network where you set up a call system that works in Nashville, and that works in Chattanooga. When you got to those different parts of the state its just turning your radio to a different channel as opposed to having to pick up a different set of radios and communications equipment.”
TEMA says it will use $4 million dollars earmarked by the Governor to start developing the statewide network that will be eventually connect all state departments and local governments.
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