HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut has become the first state to connect its first responders through a new radio system, according to the governor.

Gov. Jodi Rell unveiled a new $1 million radio system Wednesday that she said enables first responders across the state to communicate in emergency situations.

The system, called Cross Band, plugs into existing police radio systems and went online Wednesday.

"An officer in pursuit of a criminal across town borders literally had limited, in some cases, no ability to communicate with other agencies," Rell said.

She said it will also be instrumental when an Amber Alert is issued in the state.

"This system permits one channel, which is in every police cruiser and every state police cruiser, to communicate simply by turning to that channel," said Public Safety Commissioner John Danaher.

The system was paid for by a federal homeland security grant.

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