IIn February of 2006, the Wisconsin chapters of the National Emergency Number Association (WI-NENA) and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (WI-APCO) partnered with the Southeast Wisconsin Communications Resource/Support Group (SEWCRSG) to initiate the development of a TERT for the state of Wisconsin. A WI-TERT steering committee was formed in March and has since been meeting on a regular basis.

Recognizing the important role the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management (WEM) plays in disaster response, one of the first actions of the committee was to approach WEM in an effort to gain support for the WI-TERT. Successful outreach efforts led directly to the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WI-NENA, WI-APCO, the SEWCRSG and WEM. The MOU establishes procedures and policies to guide use of the WI-TERT for requested assistance during man-made or natural disaster relief operations. The MOU was signed by all parties on March 27, 2007.

TIn the past year, the steering committee developed this Web site, provided WEM with standard operating procedures for WI-TERT deployment, and identified and trained eight regional coordinators. With trained coordinators in place, WI-TERT is now capable and ready for deployment.

The steering committee plans to finalize the Basic Training program for WI-TERT team members by the end of 2007 with the goal of recruiting and training WI-TERT members in 2008. As always, the committee will maintain close coordination with ongoing national efforts.