Milwaukee Department of Emergency Communications Announces Deployment of Motorola Solutions Next Generation 9-1-1 Enhancements

This is a third-party release from the Milwaukee Department of Emergency Communications

New technology investments will improve emergency communications, strengthen responder awareness, and expand tools available to the Milwaukee community

Milwaukee, WI – June 3, 2026 – The Milwaukee Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) is implementing a next-generation emergency communications platform designed to improve how 9-1-1 calls are processed, enhance situational awareness for first responders, and strengthen service delivery for the Milwaukee community.

The deployment includes Motorola Solutions’ VESTA 911 platform and integrated public safety technologies that will provide expanded capabilities for call handling, real-time information sharing, language translation support, text and multimedia communications, and improved coordination between emergency telecommunicators and field responders.

“This investment is about continuing to modernize Milwaukee’s emergency communications infrastructure and providing our community with the highest level of service possible,” said Tony Bueno, Director of the Milwaukee Department of Emergency Communications. “Our telecommunicators are the critical first link in every emergency response. These new tools will help provide them with better information, improve communication with callers, and support faster, more informed decision-making during emergencies.”

The upgraded system will provide several enhancements for the community and emergency responders, including:

• Improved 9-1-1 call processing and resiliency
• Enhanced support for multilingual callers through real-time translation capabilities
• Expanded text and multimedia communication options
• Improved situational awareness for first responders
• Better integration of information between call takers, dispatchers, and responding agencies
• Additional tools to support dispatcher training, quality assurance, and operational consistency

The system is also designed to support the DEC’s long-term strategic goals, including continued advancement toward nationally recognized public safety accreditation standards and ongoing improvements in emergency response coordination.

Milwaukee’s implementation reflects the department’s continued investment in modern public safety technology and its commitment to building a best-in-class emergency communications center focused on service, professionalism, and community trust.

"Public safety communications professionals manage extraordinarily complex and high-pressure situations every day," said Jeremiah Nelson, corporate vice president of Command Center Software and Evidence Products, Motorola Solutions. "We're proud to help the Milwaukee Department of Emergency Communications  streamline and simplify the 911 workflow so telecommunications can focus on the caller in crisis while reducing the daily administrative burden that leads to burnout. This technology is a major step forward in supporting the long-term resiliency of the people who get up each day to keep Milwaukee safe."

As part of the deployment, which will happen in phases throughout 2026, the DEC is encouraging residents to utilize Smart911. This free public safety service allows individuals and families to create a secure safety profile containing important emergency information such as medical conditions, emergency contacts, household details, and accessibility needs. This information can help first responders better assist callers during emergencies.

Media Contact
Jennifer Guetchidjian, CMCP
Milwaukee Department of Emergency Communications
jmzahorik@milwaukee.gov
414-935-3450

About the Milwaukee Department of Emergency Communications
The Milwaukee Department of Emergency Communications serves as the City of Milwaukee’s primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), providing emergency and non-emergency communications support for police, fire, and emergency medical services. The department is committed to delivering professional, compassionate, and efficient service to the Milwaukee community while advancing innovation and excellence in emergency communications.