TRAVERSE CITY -- A new Box Alarm System is being implemented at the Traverse City Fire Department.

The project, that's been in the works for about a year is designed to help the mutual aid process between local firefighters and the Grand Traverse County Central Dispatch.

Right now when there is an emergency, the Fire Chief calls dispatch and has to list the additional departments, and units he may need.

The new system will use a code word – “Alarm” -- along with a rating – 1, 2, 3, or 4-- this will represent the bundle of services the Chief needs. 

Traverse City Fire Department Chief Jim Tuller says, "The benefit of the box alarm system is that it will not only increase the safety of the fire fighters it will also increase safety of citizens because it simplifies the request for resources to help out that local fire department."

The hope is to implement the new Box Alarm System by the end of the year.