Vernon County completes transition to Next Generation 911 bringing text capabilities to emergency dispatch

March 3, 2026

VIROQUA, Wis. – The Vernon County Sheriff Office has officially completed the final phase of its transition to the Next Generation 911 network.

Sheriff Roy Torgerson announced in a March 3 press release that the recent cutover to the new AT&T digital network replaces the aging analog infrastructure and brings text messaging capabilities to local emergency dispatchers.

“Although Legacy 911 systems have proven reliable for decades they are not designed to support the broader more dynamic communication methods commonly used in today’s modern digital environment,” said Torgerson. “In addition to traditional voice and teletype communications 911 callers in Vernon County can now Text to 911.”

Torgerson reminded the public that placing a traditional phone call remains the best and fastest way to get help but texting provides a crucial alternative.

“Voice communication is the preferred method of communication between callers and 911 dispatchers,” said Torgerson. “However the Text To 911 option will expand our options of communication with our community.”

The implementation of the new system is the culmination of a process that involved multiple county departments including the Sheriff Office Land Information Emergency Management and Information Technology. Administrative Coordinator Cassandra Hanan told the county board last fall that the transition required extensive planning.

“This project has been in the works since 2022 so everyone is very excited to get that going,” said Hanan.

Information Technology Director Conner Simon noted during a January committee meeting that the county had to formally close out its long standing contract with its local provider to make way for the new network.

“Our 911 contract sunsetted at the end of 2025,” said Simon. “So we were under contract through 2025 for that and then we put this NextGen 911 project in place.”

Vernon County Land Information Officer and GIS Coordinator Monique Hassman said, “We are
grateful to the many partners who contributed to this statewide NG911 initiative. In
collaboration with Vernon County Dispatch, our Land Information Office has implemented
the new NG911 GIS data schema and continues to refine and maintain the geospatial
dataset. Support from the Wisconsin Office of Emergency Communications, GeoComm, and
the Wisconsin Land Information Program/Association has been vital in improving data
accuracy and advancing statewide standardization. Although the system is operational,
ongoing data cleanup remains a priority.”

The local upgrade was made possible by a state grant award of over $190,000 which was supplemented by a 20 percent match from the Vernon County Board of Supervisors to cover the total project cost of $237,772. The statewide initiative overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs utilizes an internet protocol network provided by AT&T. AT&T Wisconsin President Cheryl Riley emphasized the importance of modernizing emergency response networks.

“First responders and the communities they serve require reliable and resilient connectivity and AT&T is at the forefront of providing industry leading public safety solutions that modernize and transform their emergency response,” said Riley. “We are proud to provide 911 and other public safety solutions in Vernon County. From FirstNet to NextGen 911 we will continue to be there to support the first responders who help keep our loved ones safe.”

Torgerson expressed his gratitude to the local community and the experts who dedicated their time to secure the funding and install the new technology.

“I want to thank the citizens of Vernon County for their continued support and high expectations of public safety,” said Torgerson. “I am grateful to everyone who dedicated their time and expertise to this project.”

The sheriff also acknowledged the historical significance of the upgrade and praised the telecommunications workers who kept the previous analog system running for decades.

“NG911 will enhance emergency response for all who live in and visit this beautiful county,” said Torgerson. “But credit goes all the way back to the countless individuals who paved the way implementing our first 911 system.”

Torgerson stressed that while the technological advancements are impressive the human element of emergency response remains the most vital component.

“These systems are important but the people behind them are more important still,” said Torgerson. “Vernon County is truly blessed with people who care about our future.”

Torgerson added that the county plans to recognize the dispatchers who operate the new equipment later this spring.

“An upcoming opportunity to celebrate our highly dedicated 911 communications professionals is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week April 12 through 18,” said Torgerson.

The sheriff concluded his report by thanking the previous service provider and the other telecommunications companies that assisted with the routing transition.

“I also extend my thanks to Vernoncom for providing reliable Enhanced 911 service for the past twenty five years,” said Torgerson. “And to all originating service providers for their additional efforts in transitioning their routing to AT&T. Your support is greatly appreciated.”

While the new system will eventually allow residents to send photos and videos directly to dispatchers Torgerson wants residents to remember a simple rule for reaching out during a crisis.

“Call when you can,” said Torgerson. “Text when you can’t.”

Torgerson expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the NG911 initiative in Vernon County including, but not limited to: