Marathon County (WI) Dispatcher Loses Home to Tornado

On Sunday, April 10, 2011 at about 6pm, severe storms swept through Central Wisconsin. Marathon County 911 Dispatcher Becky Schneider, her husband and 2 small children were at home in Merrill, WI, when a tornado touched down near their home. The F3 category tornado devastated their neighborhood, completely destroying their home and vehicles. Fortunately, there was advanced warning and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department 911 Center sounded the tornado sirens allowing everyone to take cover. Thanks to their efforts, there were only 3 non-life threatening injuries out of this terrible event. Ironically, Becky’s mother is a 911 Dispatcher at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department (our neighbors to the north). Becky and her family are in good health and they do have homeowners insurance to cover their major losses. They do however have immediate needs of clothing and everyday items as they are unable to salvage much from the home as it has been declare structurally unstable. They will also be required to cover the deductibles for the home and 2 vehicles that also sustained major damage. Becky has been employed as a PST with Marathon County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years. The home that was completely destroyed was her “dream home” that they bought less than a year ago. Your thoughts and prayers along with well wishes from her “extended 911 family” would be a welcomed comfort in her time of need. Any monetary contributions anyone would be able to make to help Becky and her family get back on their feet would be a Godsend. Thank you all !

Debra Waldhart, Marathon County 911 Center
Contact: Supervisors Debra Waldhart or Anthony Nardi with Marathon County Sheriff’s Department 715-849-7792
Debra: debra.waldhart@co.marathon.wi.us
Anthony: Anthony.nardi@co.marathon.wi.us

Cards, letters or notes can be sent to
Marathon County Sheriff’s Department
Attention: Communications
500 Forest St
Wausau, WI 54403

Monetary Donations can be sent to : Marathon County Sheriff’s Department
Attention: Becky Schneider – Communications
500 Forest St.
Wausau, WI 54403

At this time it is unknown what the insurance will cover however they are in need of cash to purchase items necessary for daily living, such as replacing clothing, personal hygiene items, food, etc….. (they are currently staying in an AmericInn) as well as the deductibles for the home and vehicles.