Madison… Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) joined her Joint Committee on Finance colleagues today in approving funding to provide training and equipment for the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force.

2021 Wisconsin Act 104, authored by Senator Ballweg and Representative Amy Loudenbeck (R-Clinton) earlier this session, created the framework and transitioned the Wisconsin Structural Collapse Team into an Urban Search and Rescue Team. This designation allows Wisconsin to respond to an expanded scope of incidents.

Senator Ballweg released the following statement in reaction to the release of this funding:

“Our local partners do the best they can but in extreme instances, having a highly trained task force with proper equipment, like the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, can save lives.  

“Today marks five years since the explosion at the Didion Milling plant in Cambria. If you talk to my local firefighters who helped respond on that day, they can tell you about the important role the Wisconsin Structural Collapse Team played in making sure they were able to safely save as many lives as possible. Without their specialized equipment and training, there are things smaller units would not be able to do on their own. 

“Today’s action will ensure Wisconsin is not left vulnerable and is able to adequately respond to future incidents.”

To reach Sen. Ballweg with questions or comments please call (608) 266-0751 or email Sen.Ballweg@legis.wi.gov. The 14th Senate District is located in Central Wisconsin, and is composed of parts of Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Outagamie, Sauk, Waupaca, and Waushara counties.

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