DESCOM was started July 1, 2014 to provide all emergency dispatch and 911 services to residents of Des Moines County. Prior to July 1, all dispatch duties were done by dispatchers that were civil service employees and worked for the Burlington Police Department. DESCOM is its own emergency service organization that works with and provides dispatch services to all law enforcement, medical and fire agencies in Des Moines County. We are honored to work along side the public safety agencies in Des Moines county and even more honored to serve the citizens of our great community.

Control Board

The control board is vested in seven voting directors comprised of an appointed and elected representative of each of the following political subdivisions:

• City of Burlington : 3 voting Directors (Currently Jim Ferneau, Jon Billups, and Matt Rinker)

• Des Moines County: 2 Voting Directors (Currently Bob Beck, Mike Johnstone)

• Danville, Mediapolis, Middletown: 1 Voting Director (Currently Mayor Jerry Strause)

• City of West Burlington: 1 Voting Director (Currently Mayor Hans Trousil)

Advisory Board

The advisory board is a non-voting technical advisory committee composed of members of the public safety community. The current board includes representatives from:

• Burlington Police Department

• Des Moines County Sheriff’s Department

• West Burlington Police Department

• Burlington Fire Department

• Des Moines County Fire Association

• Des Moines County EMS Association