The Hall County 9-1-1 Center is now operating on a new radio system, doubling 9-1-1 operators’ capacity to communicate with first responders in the field.

“This new technology increases and improves communications between 9-1-1 operators, law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs,” Assistant Hall County Administrator Marty Nix said.  “That results in an increased level of safety for all Hall County citizens.”

The Hall County 9-1-1 Center cut over to the new system at 12 a.m. on Feb. 15 without any interruption in service.

“Implementing the new system was no easy feat, and I’d like to applaud our 9-1-1 staff for their care and diligence in making sure that no calls were dropped during this time and that the availability of 9-1-1 operators during the cutover was not compromised,” said Nix.

Hall County 9-1-1 Director Gail Lane said the old radio system operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, generating a lot of wear on the system.

“In addition, the company that made the old system was no longer making upgrades to it and would no longer supply parts for its repair beginning in 2018, making it virtually obsolete,” said Lane.

The new radio system is one of several upgrades to the 9-1-1 system approved by Hall County voters with the passage of SPLOST VII in March 2015.  Upgrades to the 9-1-1 Center and phone system have already taken place.