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Welcome to our monthly update, where we highlight the latest developments, initiatives and exciting changes from ECN. This update is designed to keep you informed and engaged with what's happening within our team.
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Text-to-911 campaign launch
As part of National 911 Education Month, ECN is raising awareness of Text-to-911 throughout April.
In 2025, 911 call takers received 2.8 million calls but only 36,000 text messages.
Why does Text-to-911 matter?
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Helps people who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard-of-hearing
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May work in remote areas where there is no cell service
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Provides an alternative when silence is critical for safety, such as during active shooter situations, public transportation emergencies and domestic violence situations.
Tune in to TPTNow (channel 2.5 in the Twin Cities) to watch Text-to-911 videos broadcast in five languages. DPS will also share promotional materials on social media. Follow along and join the conversation.
2026 LEAP conference takeaways
In March, several ECN employees attended the 2026 Location, Enterprise Addressing and Public Safety (LEAP) conference. The event focused on geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and its role in our current and future 911 environment. Sessions covered addressing standards, pre-planning evacuation zones, school safety initiatives, federal addressing programs and the growing role of GIS and artificial intelligence in 911. Overall, the conference emphasized that accurate location information through GIS is the strongest foundation of NG911.
Tornado drills this month
April 13-17 is Severe Weather Awareness Week. On Thursday, April 16, there will be two tornado drills across the state at 1:45 and 6:45 p.m. Learn more from the National Weather Service and Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) division.
I-35W bridge lighting for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
The I-35W bridge will be lit gold the evening of Monday, April 13, in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Be sure to grab a photo if you're nearby!
REMINDER: ECN cybersecurity trainings
Seats are still available for the ECN cybersecurity trainings this month.
These trainings are designed to give attendees practical knowledge, structured response strategies and a stronger understanding of how public safety telecommunicators (PSTs), PSAP supervisors, IT staff and leadership should work together during cyber incidents.
PSAP managers and IT staff are encouraged to attend. These trainings are made possible through funding from the federal State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant.
Cost
Course registration is free and lunch will be provided. Travel, additional meals and lodging are the responsibility of the course participant.
Registration
Register for this cybersecurity course today. Classes are limited to 25 participants. You will receive a confirmation email following your registration.
Dates and locations
All classes are scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:
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Tuesday, April 7 — Pennington County
- 250 12th Ave. NE, Thief River Falls, Minn.
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Thursday, April 9 — Olmsted County
- Cunningham Room
101 4th St. SE, Rochester, Minn.
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Thursday, April 16 — Blue Earth County EOC
- 401 Carver Rd., Mankato, Minn.
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Tuesday, April 21 — Itasca County EOC
- 1500 SE 7th Ave., Grand Rapids, Minn.
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Thursday, April 23 — Otter Tail County
- 469 West Main St., Ottertail, Minn.
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Tuesday, April 28 — Kandiyohi County
- 2201 NE 23rd St., Willmar, Minn.
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Thursday, April 30 — Anoka County
- 13535 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, Minn.
Contact
Reach out to ECN Grant Coordinator Rebeccah Roberts with any questions.
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“It’s Your Calling” job board
Reminder: ECN is collecting PSAPs job postings for the "It's Your Calling" webpage.
Share your openings to connect Minnesotans with meaningful career opportunities statewide.
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Get to know your ECN staff
Sheriff Kent Wilkening
PSAP Support Coordinator
With more than 42 years of public safety experience, Sheriff Kent Wilkening began his career with the Appleton Police Department in 1980 and was later elected to serve as Nobles County Sheriff for six terms from 1998 to 2021.
During that time, he served on a variety of state boards and commissions, including the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, and the Statewide Emergency Communication Board.
Wilkening also served as the chair of the Southwest Minnesota Emergency Communications Board’s Regional Advisory Committee, the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) Board of Directors, and as the President of the MSA in 2013.
After retiring as the Nobles County Sheriff in 2021, Wilkening became a PSAP support coordinator under contract with ECN. In this role, he provides guidance, expertise and educational outreach for matters related to 911 services.
Wilkening serves as the primary liaison for the state’s public safety professional associations — including the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association and the Minnesota Ambulance Association — on PSAP operations and 911 fund requirements.
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