Village of Plover. Image courtesy: Village of Plover
PLOVER, WI (WSAU) — Residents in Plover will have a chance to hear from both the Police and Fire Departments regarding a proposed $23 million public safety building.
Fire Chief Mark Deaver says the current setup doesn’t allow his staff to decontaminate themselves safely after an incident involving dangerous chemicals or fumes. “We [are sometimes dealing with] turnout gear that might be exposed to cancer-causing agents. [We’re proposing] a new station with a decontamination room. We will be able to dump all of our turnout gear to be washed.”
Deaver adds that better living quarters and more modern office spaces are also on their wish list.
Police Chief Ryan Fox says they’ve also run out of room. “I have two, maybe three detectives that will be sharing one office. Patrol lieutenants have to share one office and one desk. Four sergeants are sharing one cubicle. Our interview rooms are inadequate and we also don’t have meeting space.”
Chief Fox says he is also concerned about the handling and storage of substances like fentanyl. The evidence room lacks proper ventilation and any officer that comes back from a call after being exposed to dangerous substances has no place to go with their clothing or boots.
“Right now all we can do is spray their stuff off with a hose,” said Fox.
Tuesday’s open house runs from 4-7 PM at Village Hall. Administrator Steve Kunst says they will have more information sessions in the new year before the Village Board takes up the proposal. His office will also take comments through email or phone calls.
Kunst adds that there is no timeline for a final vote, and they aren’t rushing to bring the matter to the full board. “We’re putting in the right work to get a high-quality plan that we know will serve the public well into the future. The goal wasn’t to address just immediate things. If we are going to make an investment we need to look into the future.”
Comments