Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Bend highlights public‑safety measures: K‑9 Valor sworn, fire station update, GEMT funds and donations approved
Summary
The council recognized a new police K‑9 team, received an update on Fire Station No. 1 construction, and approved donations and GEMT (ambulance reimbursement) funds that will offset capital costs, including $50,000 toward a fire engine and station improvements.
Public‑safety matters featured prominently at the Nov. 10 meeting of the West Bend Common Council.
Police Chief introduced Officer Trevor Gates and K‑9 Valor (‘‘Valor,’’ a 17‑month Belgian Malinois imported from the Czech Republic) and described the dog as a dual‑purpose team member trained for both apprehension and detection. The chief noted the department had not had a dog since 2002 and recounted a 2022 search where an outside K‑9 assisted locating a missing autistic teenager—an example staff cited in support of restoring an on‑staff K‑9 capability. The department formally swore in Valor and recognized the handler and dog for their training.
Fire Chief provided an update on Fire Station No. 1: 14 bid packages were issued and successfully awarded for most packages; the Johnson Bus Building demolition and removal of underground fuel tanks are complete and initial inspections showed no obvious contamination though confirmatory testing is pending. The chief said some utility and environmental testing delays pushed the anticipated completion date to November 2026 but that work on foundations and rebar delivery is imminent.
Finance committee and council members also approved several public‑safety–adjacent financial items. The council accepted a $50 donation (Sally Mundinger) to buy and place smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for vulnerable housing and approved Resolution 47 to accept Wisconsin GEMT reimbursement funds (the program provides retroactive payments intended to reduce the gap between Medicaid/Medicare payments and actual EMS costs). The Fire Chief said an appropriation of $50,000 will offset capital for a new fire engine, with remaining funds directed toward station capital improvements and small equipment. Committee members asked about discrepancies between memo and resolution numbers; the chief acknowledged a typo and confirmed appropriations in committee discussion.
Council approved these donations and appropriations by voice vote.
