Kenosha Reporter

A state grant will fund the replacement of outdated equipment in the Kenosha Joint Services 911 dispatch center, according to local officials. The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs has awarded $152,034, covering 90% of the cost for new console furniture at dispatcher workstations, as stated by Joint Services Director Joshua Nielsen.

Nielsen explained that the current furniture is 14 years old and requires repairs, with replacement parts no longer available. "With this grant, we will be able to replace all of the console furniture all at once, rather than in a piecemeal fashion," he said. "This will ensure that the dispatchers’ equipment will continue running at 100 percent capability without any interruptions."

A small portion of the grant, approximately $1,300, is allocated for advanced training reimbursement for dispatchers. Over the past four years, Joint Services has received nearly $700,000 from the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) Grant Program by the Department of Military Affairs.

The largest award was in 2023 when Joint Services received $450,000 to support an upgrade to the Next Generation 911 system. This system allows faster call delivery and more accurate location information. Nielsen noted that new equipment has been installed and ongoing work on converting from copper phone lines to IP infrastructure is expected to complete by early 2025.

The PSAP grant program is funded through a 75-cent fee on cellphone bills. County Executive Samantha Kerkman expressed satisfaction with these funds benefiting public safety projects in Kenosha County: "It’s wonderful to be able to make these important upgrades at minimal cost to local taxpayers."

Senator Bob Wirch emphasized cooperation between state and local governments: "The Joint Services staff was using outdated equipment, and through our teamwork, we were able to secure funding for necessary upgrades." Representative Amanda Nedweski highlighted the importance of such upgrades in attracting top-tier dispatchers: "This highly stressful role is critical on the first line of response in an emergency."

Both Nedweski and Wirch supported this year’s grant alongside Senator Van Wanggaard and Representatives Tip McGuire and Tod Ohnstad.

Kenosha Joint Services provides various services including law enforcement records management and fleet maintenance for both city and county. John W. Morrissey praised ergonomic design improvements: "State-of-the-art consoles for 911 dispatchers are crucial for efficient emergency responses."

County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas acknowledged state commitment: “This funding reflects enhancing local emergency response capabilities while emphasizing modern resources.”