Outagamie County opened its new 911 Communications Center on February 6, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Years in the making, Outagamie County finally has a new 911 dispatch center. The first call into the new facility was at 9:20 Thursday morning.
“I no longer will dread going to work and walking down the stairs into what we call the dungeon,” said Heather Fischer, a dispatcher who’s worked for Outagamie County for 17 years.
After decades of working in the basement of the Outagamie County Courthouse building, Thursday was the first time Outagamie County 911 dispatchers took calls in their new state-of-art building.
The 9,000 square foot space, paid for with ARPA Funds, has room for 14 work stations, nearly double the capacity of eight in the old facility.
“Really expands the services we can provide to the community. Now we have the space when big events happen, bad weather systems come through we can bring in all the staff we need and have a space for them,” said Captain Nathan Borman with the sheriff’s office.
The extra space allows for a quieter environment, something that’s beneficial for not only dispatchers but also those on the other end of the phone.
According to Fischer, “In the old center we were very cramped. It was very small and it didn’t allow us any room. So, if I would be on the phone or on the radio people would be able to hear my partner that was basically within in arm’s reach. Hopefully this little bit of distance and the new technology will help to get rid of those hurdles.”
Other hurdles is hiring dispatchers.
Right now Outagamie County employs about 25 dispatchers, 31 is considered full staff. The hope and belief is the new 911 center will make working for Outagamie County more attractive.
Borman said, “I know one applicant recently said if I had to go work in that basement I wouldn’t come to work here and saw this facility and was very interested. Certainly I think it’s going to help. This is a work place you can be proud of. This is work place that’s comfortable, you can feel safe in.”
And in just the first few hours it was operational, those working in the new facility are energized and excited about the future.
“Hopefully this will help keep dispatchers that are here, staying here and maybe getting us some new prospects of people that are looking for a new career,” added Fischer.
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