The following news article is about Retired Lt. Bill Kimball. It acknowledges the contributions Bill has made over the years to the the Jo Daviess County Emergency Communications System ! Congratulations Bill !!
County Dedicates 911 Facility in Honor of Long Serving ETSB Chair Bill Kimball
News & AnnouncementsPosted on September 03, 2026
Jo Daviess County has dedicated its 911 communications facility as the William D. Kimball Communications Center, honoring a leader whose steady guidance shaped the county’s emergency communications system for more than a decade.
Bill Kimball joined the Emergency Telephone System Board in 2012 and became chair in 2014, serving until 2025. During his tenure, the county completed major advancements: a countywide VHF narrow-banding upgrade, implementation of the Spillman/Motorola Flex CAD system, transition to Next Generation 911, early adoption of Text to 911, and the move to the STARCOM21 digital radio system. These projects required years of planning, difficult decisions, and significant investment… work made possible by Kimball’s calm, deliberate leadership.
Colleagues describe Kimball as a mentor who listened first, offered trust generously, and brought humor and perspective to even the most serious conversations. His support shaped not only the county’s technology, but the people responsible for carrying out its mission.
While radio systems and software will continue to evolve, county officials emphasized that the foundation Kimball built, rooted in leadership, trust, and grace, will endure.
The dedication ensures Kimball’s name remains permanently connected to the mission he championed and the facility he helped strengthen. Those who served alongside him say they will carry forward the lessons he modeled every day.
