Mar 3, 2026, 2:19 PM CST
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Vernon County Sheriff, Roy Torgerson, reports the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was the final, critical phase of transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911). NG911 is a network of systems that replace the existing analog 911 infrastructure.
Although Legacy 911 systems have proven reliable for decades, they are unable to accommodate multimedia exchanges common in today’s personal communications. In addition to traditional voice and teletype communications, NG911 allows text, photo, and video messaging to 911 dispatchers.
These enhancements to 911 emergency communications in Vernon County came only after years of planning and coordination. The concept of updating 911 infrastructure in the United States and Canada dates back to 2000. The initiative was instilled on a state level in 2017 when by legislation, Wisconsin formed a 911 subcommittee attached to the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). The following year, the Office of Emergency Communications, operating within the DMA, was formed to oversee contracts and grants related to NG911.
Funding for the nearly $238,000 project began with a state grant award of $190,000, which was supplemented by 20% matching funds approved by the Vernon County Board of Supervisors.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at [email protected].
Jo Ann Krulatz is Senior Radio Journalist and News Director at WRCO and WRCE in Richland Center. Email her at [email protected].
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