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STEVENSVILLE, Md. (July 2010) – Incident Communication Solutions, LLC (ICS) has installed a power system and various communications devices in the Charlotte Fire Department’s FieldCom 2 (FC-2).

ICS completed installation of several power components including an high-capacity inverter that will provide FC-2 with the power options that they need when on scene.  The installation of outlets throughout the inside of the vehicle provides users with several areas to charge laptops, radio cache, and cell phones.  

The system provides power to the storage bed whether on scene or in the station and ensures that all of the devices are fully charged and ready to go when the unit is called to service. The installation also included mounting VHF, UHF and MSAT-G2 Radios in the cab to augment FC-2’s communication capability for use with the NCTF-3 USAR Team.

CFD FC-2 is a supplementary vehicle to the CFD Communications Team FieldCom-1 unit.  FC-1, built and integrated by ICS in 2008, is a Chevrolet Suburban equipped with VSAT satellite connectivity, radio interoperability, and a multitude of other communications equipment.  

FC-1’s main role is to provide communications support for Charlotte Fire Department assets operating at major incidents.  The new power
system on FC-2 provides the fire communications team with greater capabilities when on scene of an emergency, disaster, or event.

FC-1 and FC-2 are staffed by 10 specially trained Fire Communications personnel that staff the Communications Center and respond when the need arises.  Fieldcom is currently staffed by one Comm Unit Leader, nine Field-Comm Telecommunicators and two Field Comm IT members.