The Bedford County Emergency Communications District, more commonly known as Bedford County 911, would like to reaffirm our steadfast support for the implementation of the P-25 “trunking” radio system that Bedford County Government, in collaboration with the County Mayor, County Commission, and EMA chose to purchase and integrate with the statewide TACN network (Tennessee Advanced Communications Network). Additionally, the City of Shelbyville has recently expressed interest in joining the TACN network.
For years, the State of Tennessee has partnered with Motorola to develop the TACN network infrastructure statewide. During a recent public safety meeting, Motorola openly acknowledged the ongoing delays affecting not only the Bedford County TACN project but also several other counties. Taking full responsibility for these setbacks, the company committed to attending an upcoming County Commission committee meeting to provide further discussion and updates on these important issues.
These are several reasons why Bedford County 911 fully supports this project:
RELIABILITY, SECURITY AND COVERAGE
•
TACN P-25 is the highest standard available for public safety communications
•
The ability to join the TN emergency communications network
•
TACN offers interoperability for, not only Bedford County agencies, but also statewide
•
It greatly enhances radio coverage and clarity for Bedford County
•
The State of TN requires that all EMS providers (public and private) have access to the statewide digital radio network
•
Being a part of TACN will assist E911 and all our emergency agencies who are called on by the state when mutual aid is needed to assist other counties, or receive assistance from other counties, during any disaster situation
•
This system offers encrypted channels to give our agencies an added layer of security
FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE SAVINGS FOR TAXPAYERS
•
The State of TN agrees to manage and maintain the primary infrastructure of the radio system at their cost, which includes future upgrades
•
There is a clear long-term financial benefit to Bedford County and E911
•
The project was fully funded with ARP funds and not local property tax
EMPOWERING AND EQUIPING FIRST RESPONDERS TO SAVE LIVES
•
TACN is a force multiplier for first responders, directly impacting their ability to save lives efficiently and effectively
•
TACN offers instant and clear communication in the most critical situations
•
Dispatchers and emergency managers can deploy and track resources more efficiently, ensuring our first responders arrive without confusion or overlap
•
TACN is a proven and trusted technology as it is the primary source of communications for THP across the entire state of Tennessee
It is the responsibility of our local officials and stakeholders to ensure that our citizens, the first responders, and the public they protect receive the best tools and resources to support the entire County’s safety and well-being. Providing a TACN system is not just an investment in technology, it’s a commitment to safeguard our citizens and those who put their life on the line for all the citizens and visitors of Bedford County.
Curt Cobb, Chairman, Bedford County Emergency Communications District
Co-Founder of TN911 (A Statewide Association of 911 Districts
