Lincoln County receives additional PSAP grant funding to support emergency communications upgrades

LINCOLN COUNTY – Lincoln County Emergency Management (LCEM) this week announced that the county received additional funding through the second round of Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) grants.

A total of $18,050.22 was allocated to Lincoln County via the program, which is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs’ Office of Emergency Communications.

Lincoln County received $416,684.00 in Oct. 2024 as part of the first round of grant funding.

A release from LCEM said the supplemental grant “supports Lincoln County’s continued transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911), which helps emergency responders receive more accurate information and locate callers faster.”

“It also boosts coordination through WISCOM 800, a shared radio system that makes it easier for first responders across different departments and parts of the state to talk to each other during emergencies,” LCEM stated.

“This award is ultimately about making sure our first responders can communicate instantly and effectively, no matter where they are in the county or who they’re working with,” said LCEM Director Tyler Verhasselt. “WISCOM gives us a shared radio system that removes barriers between agencies and communities. That means faster decisions, stronger teamwork and a better outcome when our residents need help the most.”

The funding will help install updated radio equipment that allows local emergency dispatchers to talk more clearly and reliably with police, fire, EMS and neighboring counties, according to LCEM.

“For example, during a multi-agency response to a highway accident or a fast-moving wildfire, this communication upgrade ensures everyone is on the same page, leading to quicker, more coordinated action when it matters most,” LCEM said. “This means faster help when residents call 911. The new system – called WISCOM – lets everyone use the same channels and frequencies during emergencies, regardless of agency or location in the state. It's like giving all our first responders better radios that work together, so they can stay coordinated and save lives more effectively.”

LCEM said the round two award “reflects the county’s continued compliance, readiness and commitment to public safety innovation.”

“The transition to WISCOM 800 is a crucial step in this progress, ensuring that first responders across jurisdictions can communicate clearly and reliably during emergencies – especially when seconds count,” LCEM stated. “WISCOM helps everyone work together more smoothly during emergencies by connecting local, regional and state agencies through a shared radio system. This kind of teamwork helps keep both first responders and residents safe.”

LCEM said Lincoln County remains grateful to the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs and the Office of Emergency Communications for their ongoing support in advancing NG911 capabilities across the state.

“These improvements directly benefit our residents by making emergency response faster, clearer and more reliable – helping ensure that when people call for help, lifesaving assistance gets to them as quickly and effectively as possible,” LCEM said.