WE Energies Foundation Award
Posted on 08/29/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Receives $2,000 Grant for Tactical Emergency Medical Service Program
West Allis, WI – August 29, 2024 – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the WE Energies Foundation. The grant was presented yesterday during a ceremony at the West Allis Fire Administration Building, recognizing the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety across Wisconsin.
The WE Energies Foundation is continuing its support for first responders through its Rewarding Responders Grant program, which has offered $100,000 to police, fire, and emergency medical services agencies for the past several years. This funding aims to improve public safety and support the brave police/fire/ems personnel who serve and protect communities across the state.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will use the grant to kick-start a Tactical Emergency Medical Service (TEMS) program. This initiative represents a comprehensive approach to emergency medical care within tactical environments. The sheriff’s office is collaborating with the Germantown Fire Department to integrate paramedics into the multi-jurisdictional SWAT team, which includes members from the Germantown Police Department, the Hartford Police Department, and the Jackson Police Department. Operating under the authority of the sheriff, this SWAT team provides county-wide coverage.
The $2,000 grant will initially fund ballistic protection vests for Germantown paramedics assigned to the tactical team. Additional funding through the Strategic Priority Funding from the Washington County Public Safety Committee will support the full implementation of the TEMS program over the next three years. This program will enhance the capabilities of TEMS providers to conduct medical threat assessments, deliver immediate care in challenging environments, and offer logistical support, thereby improving the safety and health of law enforcement personnel and reducing the risk of injury and death during tactical operations.
Sheriff Schulteis expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “The WE Energies Foundation has clearly demonstrated how public/private partnerships can enhance the safety of citizens throughout the entire state. We are incredibly thankful for their generosity as well as the ongoing partnership with the Village of Germantown.”
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is committed to advancing public safety and is grateful for the contributions that make these critical programs possible.