The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency’s (EMA) new mobile command center (MCC) has the ability to operate the entire 911 communications center if the worst possible situation were to occur.
EMA Director Robert Graham explained this and many other advantages of the new unit during a tour last week.
He said that if for any reason the 911 center could not function, because of a loss of power or natural disaster for instance, the MCC could handle all its operations. The MCC, a 2007 refitted bus, has two Cummings 12,000 watt generators capable of powering all the necessary communications equipment.
There is also plenty of room for all the dispatchers. Deputy EMA Director Patrick Cooke estimated as many as 20 first reponders could be housed in the bus at one time.
The new MCC is equipped with satellite, internet and wifi capabilities. It has the new communications system that allows Fannin County to communicate with all other public safety agencies. There are also 25 portable radios that are always charged and ready for use by first responders.
Graham said the MCC will also be equipped with amateur radio communications, which can be put into use in the event of an emergency that interrupts normal communications.
Much of the equipment for the new MCC is being moved from the former MCC. Graham said that equipment is all new, having been purchased in the last three to four years, and most having been paid for with grant money.
The MCC being replaced is an old, 2007 model Fannin County ambulance. Only three to four people could work out of it at one time, Graham said. The new MCC bus provides “much more versatility.”
Too, the old MCC engine had 300,000 miles and was in need of replacement.
Graham said the MCC can be used as the central location in the event of any emergency such as a rescue, forest fire or major disaster. The EMA also plans to use it as a first aid station at large events or wherever it could benefit large gatherings of the public.
While the EMA is responsible for actually deploying the MCC, it is available for the sheriff’s office, fire department, ambulance service, local police departments or any public safety organization to use when needed, Graham said.
The new MCC was approved unanimously by the Fannin County commissioners for a cost of $28,000, and was paid for from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax revenues.