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Jasper Today
By the People, for the People
Marion County Fire Departments To Join Statewide TACN Radio Network
New radio system will provide reliable coverage and interoperability for firefighters
Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:21pm
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Marion County fire departments are preparing to transition to the statewide 800 MHz Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), dramatically improving emergency communications for firefighters and first responders across the county. The current radio system used by Marion County fire departments has long suffered from limited coverage and frequent communication failures. To complete the transition, the Jasper Highlands Fire Department successfully secured over $1 million in grants to fund the portable radio fleet needed for the upgrade.
Why it matters
The move to TACN will give Marion County firefighters access to a modern, statewide digital trunked system, ensuring reliable coverage and true interoperability with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, EMA, other counties, and mutual-aid partners. This represents a major step forward in public safety communications infrastructure for the county.
The details
Marion County leadership, working closely with the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the 911 Board, secured approval for the county to fully integrate into TACN. The project included construction of two new radio towers and the procurement of mobile radios for county fire apparatus. To complete the transition for the county's volunteer firefighters, portable radios were essential for reliable on-scene and day-to-day communications.
- The radios are currently being programmed, and we anticipate full implementation of the new system in the coming weeks.
The players
Jasper Highlands Fire Department
A fire department in Marion County that worked in partnership with other departments to secure grants for the radio upgrade.
Lowell Hardin
The fire chief of the Jasper Highlands Fire Department.
Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN)
An 800 MHz statewide digital trunked radio system that will provide reliable coverage and interoperability for Marion County firefighters.
Marion County Fire Departments
The fire departments across Marion County that are transitioning to the new TACN radio system.
Marion County
A county in Tennessee that is home to over 30,000 residents and is upgrading its public safety communications infrastructure.
What they’re saying
“The radios are currently being programmed, and we anticipate full implementation of the new system in the coming weeks.”
— Lowell Hardin, Fire Chief, Jasper Highlands Fire Department
What’s next
The Jasper Highlands Fire Department and other Marion County fire departments are working to complete the programming and implementation of the new TACN radio system in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
This radio system upgrade represents a significant investment in public safety communications infrastructure for Marion County, providing firefighters and first responders with reliable coverage and interoperability across the region. The successful grant funding secured by the Jasper Highlands Fire Department was critical to making this transition possible.
