"We do not have an option, the (emergency and law enforcement) system is at the end of its life," Mindy Benson, Tama County Emergency Management coordinator and E911 director again emphasized to the Board of Supervisors on Monday, Dec. 3. "It's critical to getting the first responders out the door, keeping public safety (personnel) safe and keeping the people of the communities safe." Benson had laid out a E911 Board plan for replacement and upgrades to the 20-some year-old radio system on Oct. 29. At that time the supervisors sought more information and then heard on Nov. 13 from a Electronics Engineering representative who explained the state-wide system her company is providing to some areas.