MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - It's a new statewide radio system designed to help first responders better communicate, when seconds count.The new digital radio system allows, state, local and federal public safety agencies communicate on the same channel. The state began rolling out the system about a year ago. The first cities and towns have now signed on, including Stonington."No one agency can do it all themselves. You need your neighbors to assist when bad things happen," said Stonington Police Captain Todd Olson. The radio system is also a potential a money saver for cities and towns. Brian Foley, with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, says communities just have to pay for the hardware, rather than a separate radio infrastructure, which could cost millions."We have about 12,000 [individual] users on the system now. There are about 80,000 spaces available as it stands now, and that could expand," said Foley.He says officials hope to give school security personnel access to the system in the future.The radio system is funded by the 911 Surcharge on phone bills.