Will County's new Incident Command Center is 46 feet long, 13.5 feet high, and weighs 42,260 pounds. | Tony Graf ~ Sun-Times Media
Recently, the Naperville Sun published an article about a groundbreaking development in Will County. They revealed the unveiling of a brand-new vehicle designed to serve as a command center right at the heart of emergency situations. This mobile unit is packed with cutting-edge technology, making it leaps ahead of its predecessors. According to Harold Damron, the emergency management director for Will County, the technological upgrades are so significant that comparing it to older models feels almost unfair.
Just last week, the county board had the opportunity to tour the impressive Incident Command Center, which is roughly the size of a large bus, located at the county office building in downtown Joliet. "This vehicle allows us to deploy to the site of any major emergency or event," explained Damron. "It provides all the necessary facilities and tools for the incident commander—whether that’s the fire chief, police chief, or another designated leader—to effectively manage the situation."
The vehicle itself boasts a Freightliner chassis and a Cummins turbo diesel engine, making it robust enough to handle demanding conditions. At 46 feet long and 13.5 feet high, it weighs a staggering 42,260 pounds. The custom-built body was crafted by Farber Specialty Vehicles in Ohio, ensuring both durability and functionality.
Inside the forward section, there’s ample room for ten workstations tailored for the incident commander and key personnel. "We needed to account for the wide range of radio frequencies used across the county by various agencies," Damron noted. To address this, the team installed a centralized computer-controlled radio system housed in the rear of the vehicle. Through an internal network, any laptop within the vehicle can access the software to select the required frequency. For instance, if the fire chief requires a specific firefighting frequency, they can easily pull it up using the software and communicate seamlessly through their computer microphone headset without touching the physical radio.
Beyond its primary role as an operational hub, the new vehicle also serves as a crucial backup for 911 services and other critical public safety communications. In the event of disruptions, the county can deploy this mobile unit to provide support wherever needed. The rear of the vehicle houses three fully functional 911-capable workstations.
With a price tag of around $1.15 million, the project received approximately 80% funding from grants, while the remaining 20% was covered by 911 surcharge funds. This investment underscores the county's commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring public safety remains a top priority. As Will County continues to grow, having such advanced resources on hand is essential for managing crises effectively and efficiently.
Glass Fiber Pickleball Paddle,Head Pickleball Paddles,Pickleball Racquet,Kinetic Pickleball Paddle
Nantong Zhongyi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.apl-pickleball.com