Signal Mountain PD installs "FirstNet" technology for strong service in rural towns

Police in Signal Mountain are hoping a technology upgrade will help them keep the community safer.

The Signal Mountain Police Department is the first police department in Tennessee to install a computer-based system called FirstNet.

Police Chief Mike Williams said he and other officers realized how valuable it was almost instantly.

First Net is a nationwide network that strengthens communication in rural towns for dispatchers and residents.

Officers are able to track other officers and first responders within their jurisdiction and beyond through GPS. They can also respond to emergencies before a call is made.

Signal Mountain first responders realized the impact the new system would have after recent storms in the area weakened cell phone service.

"Even if everyone's cell phones go down around us we still have priority as far as emergency capabilities," Williams said.

"Just last week, our internet went down and our cars were still up and running off of our wireless."

"We're also ahead of the game," said officer Troy Kennedy, who has been with the Signal Mountain Police Department since 2014.

"We can see right here that there are going to be some calls coming up and officers that are free can head to those calls."

Williams said all 12 patrol cars have this system. The department will pay 34 dollars a month per car.

FirstNet Authority says there was a push for a nationwide communication network after September 11, 2001.