By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The city of Trussville received $60,000 in contributions to help complete Flock Safety cameras, the Glance Connected Vehicle Preemption & Priority System and real-time cameras for downtown Trussville.
The council approved two projects, in October, that include public safety measures. Mayor Buddy Choat said the Flock Safety camera project is near completion and he hopes the traffic preemption will be complete by Christmas.
“This is a great day for the city of Trussville,” said Choat. “So, we really appreciate Commissioner Joe Knight, Sen. Shay Shelnutt and Rep. Danny Garrett for the contributions.”
Glance technology will ensure emergency vehicles are able to respond to scenes quicker, according to Fire Chief Tim Shotts. Modules would be installed near traffic lights and would communicate with modules inside emergency vehicles, in order to preempt signals. Lights would also be controlled and synchronized by the city in order to keep traffic flow smooth. Shotts said drivers can also download an app called Travel Safely, which would send traffic information.
SEE RELATED STORY: Trussville aims to improve traffic congestion with cameras, technology
From left: Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight, Trussville City Councilman Alan Taylor, Sen. Danny Garrett, Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush, Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat, Trussville Fire Chief Tim Shotts, Rep. Shay Shelnutt, Trussville City Councilman Zack Steele and Trussville City Councilman Brian Plant.
“The app should be active once all the equipment is on the signals,” said Shotts.
Rep. Danny Garrett said that with the obvious growth in the city of Trussville, these public safety measures are necessary. Commissioner Joe Knight agreed, saying the projects are important for the safety of citizens.
“It gives us an opportunity for the county and the cities to work together on a project as important as this,” said Knight.
Police Chief Eric Rush said he is thankful for the support from county and state officials.
“The fact that public safety in Trussville has the support of our representatives at the local and state level is huge,” said Rush. “This program will be a benefit to anybody that lives in or visits Trussville.”
The money will also help pay for real-time cameras around Trussville’s Entertainment District. The camera feeds will be accessible remotely from the police department and from patrol units, for monitoring. Footage will also be available for a certain time, for investigative purposes.
Real-time camera installation is expected to begin in one month, according to Rush. Almost all Flock cameras are already installed and the city is waiting for the Glance equipment to be installed. A video of how Glance technology works can be viewed below.
