Sheriff Announces Partnership with GovWorx to Enhance 911 Training, Quality Assurance, and Emergency Communications Readiness
The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce a partnership with GovWorx to implement the CommsCoach platform within the Goodhue County Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
The Goodhue County PSAP serves as the county’s primary 911 communications center, where Public Safety Telecommunicators answer emergency and non-emergency calls, coordinate law enforcement, fire, and EMS responses, and provide critical support to first responders and the public.
The CommsCoach platform will provide advanced tools for hiring, training, quality assurance, simulation-based learning, and performance development. The system is designed specifically for emergency communications centers and will assist the Sheriff’s Office in supporting employees throughout their careers—from applicant screening and onboarding to ongoing training and professional development.
“Public Safety Telecommunicators are often the initial first responders during an emergency,” said Sheriff Marty Kelly. “Their ability to gather information, provide reassurance, and coordinate resources can have a direct impact on the outcome of an incident. This investment ensures our team has access to modern tools that support training, continuous improvement, and preparedness while helping us attract and retain exceptional employees.”
CommsCoach combines quality assurance, training, simulation, hiring, and AI-assisted support capabilities into a single platform. The technology will allow the Sheriff’s Office to develop training scenarios from real-world incidents, provide enhanced coaching opportunities, improve consistency in call handling, and strengthen operational readiness across the communications center.
As part of the implementation, GovWorx will integrate with the county’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) computer-aided dispatch system, creating opportunities to leverage real-world incidents as part of ongoing training and performance improvement efforts.
Funding for the GovWorx implementation is being provided through Minnesota 911 Special Revenue Funds administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) Division. The investment reflects Minnesota’s continued commitment to supporting innovative technologies that enhance emergency communications and improve service to the public.
“The 911 profession continues to evolve, and our responsibility is to ensure our telecommunicators have the tools, training, and support necessary to succeed,” said Emergency Services Captain Chad Steffen. “This partnership represents an investment in our employees, our operations, and ultimately the residents and visitors we serve throughout Goodhue County. By leveraging dedicated 911 funding, we are able to bring innovative technology into our communications center while remaining good stewards of public resources.”
Sheriff Kelly added, “Our mission is to improve and maintain the quality of life we enjoy and ensure that Goodhue County remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. Investing in our people and providing them with the best available tools is essential to fulfilling that mission.”
"The commitment Goodhue County has to the continued professional development of their telecommunicators is remarkable and should be commended. The decision to invest in their telecommunicator, this is exactly the kind of leadership that changes retention, performance, and morale. We are proud to support that mission." Scott MacDonald, CEO and Co-Founder of GovWorx.
Implementation activities are currently underway and will continue throughout 2026.
For Media Inquiries:
Kristi Parmeter
Administrative Assistant
Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office
Kristi.parmeter@goodhuecountymn.gov
