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STEVENSVILLE, MD (April 2011)- Incident Communication Solutions, LLC (ICS) has recently completed a comprehensive system retrofit on an existing command bus for the Charlotte UASI. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Mobile Command Post (MCP) received significant interior improvements as well as upgraded communication capabilities. 

To enhance the functionality of the Mobile Command Post, ICS re-built the rear ‘command’ section of the bus based on input from CFD and CMPD users.  ICS converted a seating area into a more efficient command room.  A custom built table and bench seating provides the CFD with a comfortable and practical environment for a command staff.  ICS also custom built a storage closet for use by the operators.

The interior of the workstation area of the MCP also received a revamp.  ICS installed new counter-tops that provide operators with more space to work.  Radio remote heads were repositioned throughout the area to provide easy accessibility and usage.  Two flat screen televisions were mounted in the area where staff can view DirecTV feeds when deployed.  

ICS also integrated a more advanced communication network into the Mobile Command Post. A custom-built communications rack was installed in the front area of the MCP providing networking equipment, radio patch panels and video surveillance solutions.  Radio antennas were mounted on the roof providing the MCP with several forms of radio communications. 

ICS has also integrated rapidly deployable, wireless mesh-networked video surveillance as a part of the retrofit.  A camera and wireless mesh node were installed on a 25 ft mast on top of the MCP.  This Agile Mesh system wirelessly transmits evidence-grade video from the Area of Operations back to the UASI’s other command units using a combination of standard 2.4 or 5.8 Ghz wireless or 4.9 Public-Safety frequencies.  Because the video is transmitted in real-time via an IP-enabled mesh network, multiple parties can have video feeds providing increased situational awareness and actionable information.  Each camera can be individually viewed and controlled for pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ). The streaming video can be stored centrally or decentrally at each viewing point for incident review and investigation.

The Mobile Command Post is a resource of the Charlotte UASI and managed by the Fire Department’s Field Communications Division (FieldComm).  This unit provides communication support for command staff when deployed at an incident.  The retrofit of the MCP gives the Division a more functional and advanced command and communication solution for opertions supporting Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police and other agencies in the UASI’s 9 surrounding counties. This communications upgrade is designed to bring the MCP into the same operational capabilitiy of other CFD Resources and allow cross-operator operations. For extended operations, or for those in austere environments, the MCP is designed to be fiber-tethered to the department’s FieldComm-1 Unit (FC-1), allowing for access to satellite communications and interoperability resources onboard that unit. The MCP will be housed along with FC-1 and FC-2 (also integrated by ICS) at Charlotte Fire Station 1.