Chicomm Blog

Preparing Your Communications System for Changes in Illinois law

With high‑profile law enforcement cases in the news and a new law requiring Illinois law enforcement departments to utilize officer‑worn body cameras, it’s important to understand the evolving law and how it affects public safety and 911 communications.

Introduction

Public safety is at the heart of SouthEast Emergency Communications (SEECOM), a consolidated emergency 911 communications center located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, that serves a rural and suburban population.

After SEECOM experienced challenges and additional expenses connected with its radio tower communications, the consolidated dispatch center found an opportunity to upgrade its communication system to STARCOM21 with the help of Chicago Communications.

Like many members of the Chicago Communications team, Barb Wittenkeller has been with the company for decades, starting her career here in 2002.

Barb likes to keep things organized, and believes in prioritizing customer service. “I will help a customer right away, and I make sure their issue is handled, whatever it may be,” she says.

Keeping Things Organized

Barb spends a lot of time handling invoicing. She’s also the person who works with the sales team on orders and service billing, and greets customers on the phone and in person. She’s also responsible for entering credit card payments and arranging electronic deposits.

She keeps Chicago Communications offices working smoothly by ordering and maintaining office supply inventory, and is also one the company’s two notary publics.

Talk about experience. 

Shop Supervisor Emory Ludtke has spent his entire adult life working in communications, beginning with military service at age 17. 

He has been with Chicago Communications for 30 years since the company acquired MetroCom in 1991. 

Emory speaks with pride about the team of experienced technicians that he leads at Chicago Communications, calling them “the BEST co‑workers around.”

Healthcare workers are our heroes. Throughout the ages, and especially through the pandemic, they’ve stayed on the frontlines tending to the sick and managing unprecedented levels of stress and grief. We salute these essential workers who put others’ health above their own. 

Kurt Hessler, a principal/owner at Chicago Communications welcomes everyone — customers, clients, and employees — into the Chicago Communications family. He has been a member of the Chicago Communications leadership team since 2004.

As the person responsible for sales and service, he makes sure that the company represents the right products from the right partners, and treats each customer as an individual. He takes pride in making sure that everyone gets their needs met and receives training for hassle‑free communications.

“It’s all about relationships,” says Kurt. “Treat each customer as if they're your only customer; like you would want to be treated.”

If there’s one thing that can stop productivity and efficiency in its tracks, it’s equipment failure. When your team cannot stay connected using devices like two‑way radios, it affects everyone’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to issues that arise.

Just like Captain says to Lucas (Paul Newman) in Cool Hand Luke, “What we've got here is failure to communicate.” 

Unfortunately, it’s not just something that happens on screen. Communication failures that stem from equipment failures are common. At least in the movies, there’s almost always a happy ending. Check out these seven examples of communication mishaps in movies where equipment failure mattered.

John Larson has been a member of the Chicago Communications team since 1996. Even after nearly 25 years on the job, John says no two days have been the same.

Anna Duvall has been a member of the Chicago Communications team since late 2020. She and Gabrielle Glashagel are two of the newest sales representatives at the company. Currently a senior at DePaul University, Anna is excited to use her education to pursue a career in sales.

Lynne Kelliher, a 7‑year member of the Chicago Communications customer service team, still describes herself as “the new kid in town.” She says she enjoys working with “so many super‑smart people” who have spent their entire careers developing expertise in ChiComm’s communications equipment and services.

“My co‑workers at ChiComm are top‑notch,” says Lynne. “They are a great blend of helpfulness, knowledge, professionalism, and occasional in‑office pranks. It is a nice place to work.”