Washington County first responders have used radio technology, which has not changed significantly since the 1930s. Firefighters and other first responders who came to the South Franklin Volunteer Fire Department heard all about the change that is to come.

“You could be responding to Washington County from a neighboring county and be able to do it with one radio.” Another hot topic was cost. “When we updated to the current radio system, we individually had to get a grant for $50,000 to get our radio,” one first responder said.

Washington County is beginning to implement a new, $24 million dollar 911 radio system that county leaders and first responders agree is long overdue.