Brown County Dispatch. PC: Fox 11 Online
BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It’s been nearly two weeks since first responders and unions that represent them have asked for changes at the Brown County 911 Center. And now, two more Brown County 911 dispatchers turned in their resignation.
In a letter sent to the Brown County Board of Supervisors, as well as members of the county public safety committee, staff raised concerns about staffing shortages and forced overtimes, saying the way the dispatch center is currently operating is unsafe.
In the past two weeks, at least least two county dispatchers with decades of experience left the county’s 911 center — and another two have turned in their resignations.
One of those employees shared their resignation letter.
It read in part, “Over time, I have become increasingly concerned with the direction of management decisions, including patterns of what I perceive as targeting and a workplace environment that has, at times, felt hostile as a result of leadership practices.”
In an interview last week with dispatcher Sheila Pieschek, who has more than 20 years of experience in the Brown County center, the latest departures follow a pattern of experienced dispatchers leaving.
“At the beginning of the year, our number one in seniority, and this doesn’t happen in public safety, our number one in seniority, 29 years experience, departed not to retire, but to go to a different dispatch center for less pay and lesser seniority. Why aren’t there questions about that? Why are people leaving?” said Pieschek.
Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach said, “We of course are monitoring it. There are reviews that are taking place right now to address some of the toxicity and bullying that might be taking place, we we’re monitoring this. But, at the same time the director is confident that we’re in the right direction.”
The center’s director, Chancy Huntzinger, said “Our focus remains on ensuring reliable service and strengthening the workforce over time.”
Right now, the Brown County dispatch center has 7 employees in various stages of training. And another 7 positions it’s looking to fill.
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