Hall and Jackson counties have expanded their communications by partnering for a new public safety radio system, making Hall County a regional radio system provider.
Jackson County Emergency Services will utilize Hall County’s radio system, providing major upgrades to the existing public safety radio system. Both counties will now share the cost of maintaining Hall County’s core server, which provides radio services to area residents and will now provide “more reliable and improved services throughout Jackson County and its school systems,” Hall County officials said Monday.
“Hall County values the relationships of our neighboring communities, and this new public safety radio system is merely one way for us to collaborate to better serve our citizens and continue setting the standard for excellent local government services,” Chairman Richard Higgins with the Hall County Board of Commissioners said. “With the growth rate of both Hall and Jackson counties, this is an invaluable partnership and a much-needed effort.”
The upgraded system will allow both counties to communicate directly with each other’s public safety departments, resulting in what officials say is an improved ability to serve in times of crisis and mutual aid scenarios.
"This is a win-win for both counties,” Jackson County Emergency Services Director Bryan Bullock said. “This allows each county to use the other’s radio system, which will be especially valuable in times of crisis, like an ice storm or hurricane, where radio systems could be subject to outages. We can serve as each other’s backup because, at the end of the day, we’re all on the same team in service to citizens."
The partnership and upgraded radio system will go live this month when it is rolled out at an official ceremony on Aug. 22 in Jackson County.
“We are looking forward to serving both communities through this new radio system,” Hall County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Zach Brackett said. “It comes with a peace of mind knowing our neighbors are just as excited as we are to provide our citizens with an additional layer of security.”
