Difference Makers: Wood River Telecommunications Team Praised For Emergency Response Excellence

WOOD RIVER — On Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, the Wood River Police Department’s Telecommunications Center faced a challenging day managing multiple critical incidents simultaneously, including a serious morning crash on Illinois 143 and a major house fire in Roxana.The dispatch center, which serves the communities of Bethalto, Roxana, South Roxana, Hartford, Wood River, and East Alton, is staffed by 10 individuals and led by Joe Petrokovich. Police Chief Brad Wells praised the telecommunications team for their performance during the incidents.The Wood River Dispatch Center team members are Difference Makers in their region.“I can’t commend them enough,” Wells said. “Our telecommunication center is top-notch. They know how to multitask and are very good at what they do. They are a credit to thi