Bedford County Joins the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security joined Mayor Chad Graham and Bedford County first responders today to celebrate Bedford County's integration into the statewide Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN).

The event, held at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Shelbyville campus, included representatives from the Bedford County E-911 Communications Center, Emergency Management Agency, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, and Sheriff's Office who are all now operating on TACN. Bedford County Animal Control and the Highway Department, though not in attendance, have also transitioned to TACN.

"We are excited to partner with the State of Tennessee to implement this next generation emergency communication system and network in Bedford County," said Mayor Graham. "The TACN system will allow interoperability for daily operations as well as in disasters. Partnering with TACN will allow cost sharing for lang term sustainability of the critical communication infrastructure."

Bedford County's investment in public safety by joining TACN ensures that first responders have reliable communication for everyday operations and the ability to coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies across Tennessee during emergencies.

Bedford County's transition from its outdated radio system to TACN is the culmination of a decades-long effort. Through a combination of county funds, TACN support and Covid infrastructure funding, all Bedford County first responder agencies now have the portable radios and other equipment needed to access TACN.

"As a former first responder in Bedford County, I know the incredible impact TACN will have for first responders and the community," said TACN Director Jeff Gray. "When seconds matter, TACN ensures first responders can communicate clearly with each other, and as a result, lives will be saved. I applaud Bedford County leaders for investing in critical communication infrastructure."

Currently, TACN supports more than 73,000 local, state, and federal government users statewide. Last year all state agencies transitioned to TACN to experience the statewide communications interoperability and the cost savings it delivers.

For more information about TACN visit, tn.gov/safety/tacn.