Communications division supervisors receive national certifications

Communications Division Supervisors Bud Hicks and Brian Knop recently received their Emergency Number Professional certifications with the National Emergency Number Association.

This certification shows that they are dedicated and knowledgeable in their field of expertise and committed to advancing the 911 service for all McHenry County residents. The certification process equipped Bud and Brian with a broad base of knowledge in 911 infrastructure, 911 center operations, and 911 legislation that will aid them in their daily duties serving the citizens of McHenry County

Hicks serves as the communication division supervisor, overseeing the day-to-day operations and staffing of the Communications Division. The Sheriff's Office Communications Division dispatches for and receives all emergency calls for eight police departments and four fire departments in addition to the Sheriff's Office's emergency and nonemergency calls for service.

Knop is the communications IT manager, overseeing all the technology for the division and he oversees the department's 120 mobile data computers.

NENA is the 911 communities' professional network and its goal is to foster technological advancement, availability and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number system. In carrying out its mission, NENA promotes research, planning, training, and education. NENA has over 7,000 members nationwide who are dedicated to saving lives through 911 each day.

In recent months, Bud has participated in legislative education both locally and nationally regarding the 911 industry and participated most recently in the McHenry County Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) implementation of the Emergency Medical Dispatching system. Brian serves on the McHenry County ETSB Technical Committee and has been instrumental in guiding the technologies being used by your first responders while keeping the Sheriff's Office on the cutting edge of technologies. These are just a few examples of the level of professionalism the Sheriff's Office Communications Supervisors have attained.