Shawnie Rechtenbaugh is the Deputy Secretary for the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and the State 9-1-1 Coordinator.
Shawnie was appointed deputy secretary in 2016. She works closely with Department Secretary Trevor Jones and the department’s 410 employees. There are 11 different agencies that compose the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. A major priority for her is the development of long-term goals and strategies for the department.
Program Highlights for September 11, 2017
There are several public service announcements designed to help keep the public safe including "Put the Phone Down" to stop texting while driving. A new feature of the Department of Public Safety is now South Dakotans can renew their drivers license online at www.dps.sd.gov. It is simple to fill out the forms and upload two proofs of address and the drivers license will be mailed.
As State 9-1-1 Coordinator, Shawnie works directly with the State’s 9-1-1 Coordination Board and is South Dakota’s representative to the National Association of State 911 Administrators. Shawnie serves as the lead on the statewide Next Generation 9-1-1 project, which is the state’s new emergency communications network. In recognition of her work on that project, Shawnie received the 2016 Government Leader Award given by the NG9-1-1 Institute in Washington, DC.
"No Call Goes Unanswered" is the goal of three new projects underway for the State 9-1-1 system. These include a Statewide 9-1-1 Phone System, an Emergency Service IP Network, and Call Access, Transfers, and Backups. There are 32 call centers in the State, four of which are tribal and the remainder are run through the local sheriff office/police department.
Ultimately, Deputy Rechtenbaugh reminds people that public safety begins with them. It is our driving and our choices which affect public safety.
Shawnie has been in state government for 12 years and with the Department of Public Safety 5 years. She and her husband, Scott, have been married for 17 years. They have two daughters ages 9 & 11 and they live in Pierre.
Program for September 18, 2017
Danish Exchange Group