January 5, 1952 – October 7, 2005

Dane County Public Safety Communications Department

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Communications Supervisor Kent Kruger of the Dane County (Madison, WI) Public Safety Communications department.

Kent began his communications career with the Dane County Sheriff¹s Department more than 25 years ago and became a supervisor when Dane County created the consolidated communications center in 1987. Kent was the departments training supervisor for many years.  

Kent was very active in A.P.C.O. and was the Wisconsin Chapter of APCO's long time Executive Committee representative and was a member of the Executive Director search committee. Kent was very proud of his service to APCO and enjoyed his work on the executive committee. APCO International past president Joe McNeil said; “Kent was a quiet man who had the ability to take a "big problem" and boil it down to a basic issue that could be resolved to a positive outcome.”

Kent was also a member of the Town of Madison (WI) Fire Department for more than 25 years and held the rank of Captain.  Kent was a very active member of the department and each summer Kent organized and operated the departments “Brat Tent” fund raiser at the Dane County Fair.

Kent was a part time fire service instructor for Madison Area Technical College and passed on his considerable knowledge of the fire service to many young fire officers by teaching the Fire Officer basic course.  

Kent is survived by his wife Karen and 2 children, Katie & Benji.