During the past 25 years, emergency responders in the state of Wisconsin have been faced with a number of disasters. The Weyauwega train derailment, the Barneveld, Ladysmith and Siren tornados, and the Watertown tire fire are just a few examples.

When disasters occur, dispatchers are usually the first point of contact and must maintain communication links. However, a disaster or critical incident can strain or even overwhelm a dispatch center, threatening vital communication. A TERT would be available to augment dispatch centers where needed or provide primary communications.