12/19/2024

ASHLAND / BAYFIELD COUNTIES - A new emergency response system launched Monday in Ashland and Bayfield Counties which became Wisconsin’s first two-county consolidated 911 dispatch center.  The new Ashland-Bayfield County Emergency Communications Center is located in Washburn.  The idea of consolidating emergency dispatch services between Ashland and Bayfield counties dates back to 2002, with significant work beginning in 2022.  This initiative is designed to strengthen 911 service capabilities in Ashland and Bayfield counties and aligns with the state’s broader goals of modernizing emergency communications and improving public safety infrastructure.  The project was made possible through essential funding from the State of Wisconsin Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Grant Program, which is administered by the Department of Military Affairs/Office of Emergency Communications (DMA/OEC).  The non-emergency numbers for both counties will remain functional.