A major upgrade to the Saint Joseph-Buchanan County emergency radio system is about to begin. Police Chief Chris Connally says it will modernize the digital system installed in 2006.

Connally says technology is moving so fast that manufacturers stop making parts after just a few years so they can build new hardware. He says keeping up the infrastructure saves money in the long run. Connally says the project should make the system as good as new and keep it working effectively for years to come.

The city, county, and Heartland paid nearly $9-million for the system eight years ago. Money for the upgrade is already allocated. The Saint Joseph share of $1.4-million was included in the Capital Improvement Program tax approved by voters a year and a half ago.