Members of the public safety committee agreed Oct. 7 to accept five grants totaling more than $50,000 for the sheriff’s department, dispatch and emergency management.
The two largest grants are from the Wisconsin Department of Justice and are Tribal Law Enforcement Assistance Grants for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community and the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Capt. Nick Prey said $20,588 was received for the Stockbridge-Munsee. The annual grant includes funds for computer forensics and laboratory work, evidence processing and technology services.
Another $22,872 was received for the Ho-Chunk. Prey said the funds are used for patrols on reservation land. Of the total, $1,500 is given back to the Ho-Chunk for community events such as Halloween and Christmas parties, as well as bike rodeos.
Kasey Cross, communications supervisor, said she received word the dispatch center was given a $2,500 grant from the First We Live Foundation to create an OASIS room.
“OASIS stands for Open Access to Safe Integrated Spaces,” she said. “What we’d like to do with that money is create a space where our staff can go and decompress after a hot call. Mental health and taking care of that part of a person is very important. They deal with a lot of tough calls. Giving them a place where it’s quiet where they can take a moment would be great.”
No county funds are needed, and an existing office would be converted to the OASIS room.
“I guess we shouldn’t turn down a gift, should we?” said Steve Natzke, committee chairman.
Sheriff George Lenzner said the Shawano Area Fire Department’s search and rescue boat is in need of a new motor, and the sheriff’s department was asked to contribute.
The county dive team sometimes uses the boat for training, Lenzner said.
“It was in need of a new motor, so they wanted us to pay for part of it — $1,500,” he said “AbbyBank is going to give us $1,500 toward the boat motor, so when that money comes, we’ll just give that check to the fire department.”
Finally, committee members OK’d the receipt of $5,166.73 for a 2026 Emergency Management Computer/Hazmat Equipment Grant.
Lt. Chris Madle said the money will be used for computer-related equipment and hazardous materials equipment.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
