TAZEWELL ( 25News Now ) - It has been five years since Tazewell County wanted to update its radio systems for first responders, and on Tuesday, that goal rang true.

Tazewell County’s fire departments launched the new system, StarCom21, Tuesday afternoon, making it easier to communicate with other agencies across Illinois.

Officials said the old system was nearing the end of its lifespan and needed several repairs. They said the system also lacked up-to-date reliability.

Pekin City Manager John Dossey said the $14 million upgrade will also help maintain public safety.

“Before I came here, Officer Wisenhand from Tazewell County gave his life in an incident, and they had issues with being able to get out on the radio system at that time. This should eliminate that. It gives us better

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