State Patrol honors police communications operators during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

April 8, 2008

During the National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, April 13-19, the Wisconsin State Patrol will honor its police communications operators, who dispatch state troopers and commercial motor vehicle inspectors to where they are needed and coordinate an overall response with other first responders in emergency situations.

The State Patrol has approximately 58 police communications operators and supervisors working at communications centers in DeForest, Tomah, Waukesha, Fond du Lac, Wausau, Eau Claire and Spooner.

"Our dedicated and skilled police communications operators at seven posts throughout the state are responsible for the operation of our busy communications centers," says State Patrol Superintendent David Collins. "Using specialized equipment, police communications operators provide information to officers in the field that is vital for effective enforcement actions and responses to life-threatening emergencies, like traffic crashes. In emergency situations, police communications operators must make sound decisions quickly. They also must handle numerous inquiries from the public and the media. Although our police communications operators work behind the scenes, they deserve recognition for their instrumental role in protecting the safety of our citizens and visitors using Wisconsin highways."

For more information, contact:
State Patrol Lieutenant David Pabst,  Bureau of Field Operations
(608) 266-1059