BAYCOM’s Mission-Critical Solutions Shine During Southeastern Wisconsin Tornado Event

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On May 15, 2025, Southeastern Wisconsin faced a terrifying tornado that caused significant damage to the area. Amidst this natural disaster, BAYCOM’s mission-critical voice and dispatch solutions proved to be a lifeline, ensuring public safety and maintaining communication systems when they were needed most. 

BAYCOM’s Response and Solutions 

Around midnight, County 911 systems began receiving UPS (uninterruptible power supply) alarms for the RF (radio frequency) site. The tornado had caused alternating current (AC) power issues, and the site was receiving dangerously low voltage. Despite these challenges, BAYCOM’s N1C UPS system performed exceptionally, providing stable power to the site equipment and keeping the communication systems operational throughout the entire storm. 

BAYCOM Field Technician Matt Orr shared his experience of monitoring and managing the situation. He emphasized the importance of high-quality UPS systems in mission-critical scenarios, explaining how the UPS protected the site’s equipment from power fluctuations and surges. Orr’s dedication and expertise ensured that the communication systems remained functional, allowing emergency responders to coordinate their efforts effectively. 

The impact of BAYCOM’s solutions extended beyond the technical aspects. The tornado sirens were triggered in time, thanks to the seamless integration of BAYCOM’s systems with the National Weather Service’s warnings. This timely response undoubtedly saved lives and minimized the damage caused by the tornado. 

Employee Contributions and Team Efforts 

The event also showcased the hard work and dedication of BAYCOM employees. From installing and maintaining the radio systems to coordinating emergency services, BAYCOM’s team played a crucial role in disaster management. Their efforts ensured that every firefighter, EMT, and police officer had reliable communication tools during the crisis. 

“We are incredibly proud of the BAYCOM team and their role in supporting our communities when they need us the most,” said Rob Dillon, CEO of BAYCOM. “Our people share a deep sense of purpose with the first responders they serve, individuals who make the conscious choice every day to protect and save lives. To have the opportunity to support their mission with the technology we provide is incredibly motivating. This is why we do what we do – our work saves lives, strengthens communities, and gives all of our employees a meaningful way to serve.” 

Scott Johnson, Senior Vice President of Sales and Technical Operations, added, “The dedication and expertise of our team during the tornado event exemplify BAYCOM’s commitment to excellence. Our solutions are designed to perform under the most challenging conditions, and this event was a testament to that.” 

The Impact of BAYCOM’s Solutions 

As we reflect on this event, it’s clear that BAYCOM’s mission-critical solutions are not just about technology; they’re about making a real difference in people’s lives. The Southeastern WI tornado event is a testament to the reliability and effectiveness of BAYCOM’s systems in the face of adversity. 

Stay tuned for more stories and insights on how BAYCOM continues to lead the way in mission-critical communications. 

GPS Capability Adds Value When Renting Two-Way Radios

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With parades, festivals, races and concerts happening nearly every weekend during the summer, we’re in the midst of a very busy rental season for two-way radios. Renting is an affordable, hassle-free way for event organizers, their staffs and volunteers to communicate with each other quickly and reliably.

One of the radio features that’s gaining in popularity among our rental customers is GPS capability.

“We can make available a computer program that shows the GPS coordinates for each of the radios in the fleet, so the organizers know where everybody is,” said John Kummers, BAYCOM Communications Licensing Consultant and Rental Manager. “This can be especially valuable for events like marathons and parades, where people are spread out over long distances and where there may be a need for services somewhere along the route. For example, ‘“Jeff I see you’re standing on the corner of First and Main. There’s a report of a person injured one block north of you,’ or ‘Chris, the water-station team at mile marker 12 reports it is running low on water. It’s a half mile west of your current location.'”

While summertime event coverage is largely responsible for the peak in rentals this time of year, the benefits of renting are not limited to public events. Rental radios give our business customers flexibility by providing additional, temporary communications coverage on an as-needed basis, so they can avoid having to buy and maintain radios that might otherwise sit idle much of the year.

  • Companies that employ a seasonal workforce, such as those in construction or landscaping, often need to expand their existing fleet during certain times of the year.
  • During company shutdowns, a greater-than-usual number of employees may be on site to upgrade machinery or conduct inventory.
  • The set-up and tear-down for corporate trade shows can be completed efficiently with push-to-talk radios that enable group conversations.

And because we know some situations call for discretion, we also offer digital encryption with our rental radios so communications can remain private and secure.

Read more about the benefits of two-way radio rentals on our website or contact us to see how a rental solution can help your organization communicate quickly and reliably.