Racine County Sheriff’s Office approved for grant money to increase patrols on I-94

RACINE (CBS 58) – The Racine County Board approved the transfer of $214,000 to go to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office. The money will go towards putting extra deputies on the interstate every day until the end of the year.

“These dollars will put two more squad cars out there and allow us to assist motorists out there, slow people down and respond to the number of crashes that we have,” said Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.

It’s been more than a month since the fiery crash involving two semi-trucks.

“It was the worst crash I’ve ever seen but it goes to show you there is no room for error up there,” he said.

In the construction zone, the Sheriff reminds drivers to slow down, put their distractions away and allow a safe distance between you and the driver in front of you. The sheriff’s office applied for the grant last year prior to the construction. 

“I believe if we can follow those rules we can make that area a safe place to travel through Racine County,” said Schmaling.

With the construction, the sheriff's office has had to get creative since it's harder to get on and off the interstate. 

“Speeding in those construction zones, you are going to get caught. We are not going to stop you in those construction zones but we are going to get you outside those construction zones. It’s not a threat I am just trying to make it a safer situation for everyone else,” said Schmaling.