WKBT: Law enforcement officials join Rep. Van Orden for roundtable in West Salem

Image

(watch)

WEST SALEM, Wis. (WKBT) -- Western Wisconsin's Congressman joined a public safety roundtable in West Salem Wednesday night.

Republican Derrick Van Orden met with 26 local sheriffs and officers to hear their biggest obstacles to keeping their towns safe.

Common concerns included the flow of drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl and the mental health crisis.

West Salem's captain said it's reassuring to hear that neighboring departments are addressing similar challenges.

"Being able to express different ideas or see how other folks are dealing with it really helps us out here in our community," Captain Tim O'Neill said.

Van Orden also told reporters he recently secured $3.5 million for a new public safety building in West Salem.