Better, clearer communication between emergency departments is the goal as Kewaunee County prepares to update its radio system.

In 2009, the state of Wisconsin began building a statewide radio system known as WISCOM. The system was primarily developed to improve interoperability, allowing agencies to communicate with each other during emergency calls. In the years since, the state has been developing the next generation of the system, requiring local departments to update their radio equipment.

Earlier this year, Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski credited a share of more than $2 million in grants with helping law enforcement, fire, EMS and other first responder agencies, along with the county’s highway and emergency management departments, acquire new radios.

While the state secured a rebate on radios purchased through the grants, local agencies still have to provide about 20% of the funding. Casco Fire Department Capt. Dan Andres said his department needs to purchase about 20 radios to make sure it has enough for everyone, adding that the equipment is extremely important.

The added expense makes fundraisers like the Luxemburg Community Fire Department’s Burger/Brat Fry on Friday and Casco Fire Department’s Milk Bottle Tournament on Saturday even more important.

Andres hopes to have the funding in place to purchase the radios by the end of the year and have them in-house early next year.