STEVENSVILLE, Md. - The Pennsylvania Northwest Central Emergency Response Group (NWCERG) has recently taken delivery of a Communications Trailer custom designed and built by Incident Communications Solutions, LLC (ICS).
The communications trailer provides the NWCERG with a turn-key advanced IP network complete ICS Tactical-IP™ satellite connectivity, giving the group access to critical communications in any situation.
The trailer also features an extensive video solution including a mast-mounted Pelco PTZ camera providing situational awareness and surveillance when on-scene. Also integrated into the system is tactical video solution AgileMesh, which provides rapidly deployable wireless mesh-based incident area networks ("IANs") that have a particular focus on delivering video surveillance to enhance command and control.
Integrated into the trailer is RIOS (Radio Interoperability System), a solution that interconnects non-compatible radio, telephone, cellular & IP assets for comprehensive interoperability. RIOS creates emergency-response networks by interconnecting existing communication resources.
ICS has recently delivered two custom-built command trailers to PA-NWCERG, each providing the group with a conference room area, workstations, shelter, radio interoperability solution, and self-sufficient power generation. PA-NWCERG took delivery of the command trailers earlier this year. ICS will complete the contract with the delivery of a second communications trailer in early 2010.
The command and communication trailers were funded using the Department of Homeland Security’s Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program. According to DHS documentation this investment will “improve communications at large-scale incidents and events; provide capabilities to restore voice and data communications if the fixed primary assets are destroyed; provide relay capabilities to bring voice and data communications into remote sections of the region as needed; and enhance the region’s ability to pass data and voice over the PA-STARNet system during major incidents”.