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Currently, one dispatcher handles calls for all 10 fire departments, all local police departments, Essentia EMS, rescue squads, Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota State Patrol and all calls for the Becker County Sheriff’s Office, many happening simultaneously, said Audubon Fire Chief Chris Wiedenmeyer, who also leads the Becker County Fire Chiefs Association.
“The current dispatchers are limited by lack of staffing and are often overwhelmed,” Wiedenmeyer told commissioners during the open forum portion of the meeting. “The population of Becker County has increased by 2,000 residents since 2010. Our call records have increased during this time as well (and) this year we are on a pace to break previous call records,” he added…
