The UWPD Dispatch Public Education Team shares a common goal: to spread knowledge about the 911 system, thus helping to create a safer campus environment. We want callers to feel confident in contacting the UW-Madison Police Department and to feel safe trusting the dispatcher on the other end of the phone. The Public Education team teaches a variety of topics, like when to call 911, what information dispatch will ask for during the call, and how to prioritize safety while contacting the police.
MEET OUR TEAM
LeAnn Krieg is the Communication Center Manager and has been with the UW Police Department for 27 years. She graduated from UW-Eau Claire and began her career in public safety at the DePere Police Department. LeAnn is very excited about the revitalized public education program and everything this team can bring to the community!
Dawn Viers is a Police Dispatch Supervisor and has been in public safety communications for over 30 years. She is passionate about helping others, supporting her team, and bringing awareness to the industry, including the mental health needs of those affected by trauma on both sides of the call.
Emily Salvador is an LED 2 and has been with UWPD for over three years. She’s currently finishing up her associate’s degree in criminal justice. Emily loves to spend time with her friends and family, and enjoys being by the lake—especially when the sun is setting.
Kat Ryan made the switch to working in dispatch almost three years ago, after working in public safety in various capacities since she was 18. In her free time, Kat enjoys reading, playing video games, and watching F1.
KC Torgerson has been a Dispatcher at UWPD for almost three years. Though she is relatively new to Law Enforcement, she loves to learn and wants to involve others in the learning process as well. She enjoys reading mysteries and riding her motorcycle, and is deeply passionate about the justice system.
EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Our Public Education Team teaches groups of all ages and backgrounds. Recently, we held an event at Eagle’s Wings Preschool in Eagle Heights, collaborating with the UWPD Mounted and Therapy K9 units, our Motor Units, a uniformed UWPD officer in a police squad, and the Madison Fire Department, which featured a fire truck and ambulance. They all learned about how to dial 911 and what to do in an emergency. Our team has also presented to other departments that work with us at the university, such as Transportation Services and Memorial Union staff — educating them about dispatch and building positive relationships and understanding.
HOW TO CONTACT US
For any questions or training requests, reach out to Dispatcher KC Torgerson at kctorgerson@wisc.edu. To contact dispatch, you can email us at dispatch@uwpd.wisc.edu, or call us at 608-264-2677.