MNSE MCSO Page

In Oct 2004 while attending a Training class at the Milwaukee County Sheriff Dept training academy I was told that the Sheriff Department was looking at creating a model city that could be used for training deputies in the "Incident Command System".

Sgt Greg Otto had been put in charge of the project. Helping him was going to be Mark Stieber, retired Captain of MCSO. In hearing this I offered my help. I also said that I would ask any members of the MNSE club if they would help.

The model was going to be done in HO scale for ease of use and availability of material. Several members of the MNSE club said that they would be willing to help. Well in October 2006 the model was completed. It surpassed anyones expectations. The entire command staff of the Sheriff dept was present for the presentation of special awards to the members of the MNSE.

Walthers Inc and Greenfield News and Hobby also received corporate recognition for the project. Walthers donated several large HO kits to be used in the project. Greenfield News and Hobby extended a discount on all purchases made for the Sheriff Project.

Above photos are from the Kit Building Party in March 2005. After the kits that Walthers donated had arrived they had to be assembled. 10-12 members of the MNSE club got together at Jerry G's house and built kits. I provided some BBQ and most of the kits were completed that night

The model was built on 5 hollow core doors. The doors hook together with hinges and pins. This makes the model quite light and portable. The above photos show some of the early stages using paper to layout streets and areas.

Each area is actually on a separate piece of masonite to show curb lines. The grey paint on the doors made the roads. Each piece of masonite was painted green to simulate grass.

Also vehicles would be needed. Walthers had a sale on HO squads. With some slight alterations the squads were converted into the Milwaukee Co Sheriff Dept squads. Will W did all the work on the squads. Steve P did all the decal work. The squads look AWESOME.

A separate piece would the "Freeway" section. Since the Sheriff Dept patrols the freeways it was felt that this would be important. Mark Stieber took on this project. The model would be to scale with 3 lanes and distress lanes. Plus on and off ramps. Here the Freeway is under construction.

Here are some photos of the completed project. The MNSE members involved went way over and above anything that was envisioned by the Sheriff Dept. The result is an excellent tool that hopefully can be used by Sheriff Dept for many years.

Drawing on the talents from the MNSE club was very valuable. The model needed modern buildings. Not alot of those are available. All of the photos above of buildings, the school, all of the homes, the Dunkin Donuts and the Super 8 motel were all scratchbuilt by Jerry Gunderson. Plus putting a grill onto the deck behind a house, his talent with styrene made the process much easier.

The model was divided into sections, including a subdivision, urban area, industrial area and even the corner of an airport. It was a learning experience for all involved. Several MNSE members commented that they learned about law enforcement and the training that goes on. Sgt Otto learned abit about model railroaders and their talents.

Above Sheriff David A Clarke Jr of Milwaukee County presents 5 members of the Milwaukee "N" Southeastern Model Railroad Club with ceritificates of appreciation for their service to the community and the Sheriff Dept.

In order from the top left - Rodney Boettcher
                              top middle - Jerry Gunderson
                              top right - Keith Schmidt
                              bottom left - Will Waszak
                              bottom right - Dan Thomson

Again a HUGE THANK YOU to all of the MNSE Club Members involved in the Incident Command Model project. It is a great example of how community and law enforcement can work together and accomplish great things.