Gulf Coast State College has received three frontline communications disaster response vehicles from Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing and a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation. The new disaster response vehicles will support Gulf Coast State College and the surrounding eight counties with advanced communications and technology assets during emergency scenarios.

Sold through Pierce and Frontline Communications’ dealer, Ten-8 Fire Equipment, the highly customized vehicles include two C-25 Mobile Command Vehicles and one C-33 Mobile Command Center.

The new disaster response vehicles were delivered in late May, and emergency responders have begun extensive training to properly utilize the assets when needed.

James Baxley Jr., Executive Director of radio, TV, and broadcasting with Gulf Coast State College, said: “When hurricane Michael came through in 2018, it was a category 5 event resulting in extensive damage and communications challenges.

“We aimed to close communications gaps and do a better job next time, and our new Frontline Communications disaster response vehicles provide us with the most technologically advanced resources to face future events. The vehicles were obtained through the Triumph Grant and maintain an eight-county memorandum of understanding to be put in service where and when needed to support emergency operations.”

Some of the most notable system design and integrated communications attributes of Gulf Coast State College’s new disaster response vehicles include:

• Cellular and satellite data network
• Point-to-point transmission system 2+ gigabit per minute
• Dual HD/thermal PTZ camera
• Columbia weatherstation
• HAM radio system with auto-tuning and PC controls
• Video switching matrix
• Multiple PCs for data processing
• 42-foot mast for custom antenna/camera deployment
• Docking station for TVU cellular backpack encoder
• Exterior workstation with anti-glare monitor
• Electric awning
• UHF, VHF, and HAM radios

“We’ve appreciated having the opportunity to work with Gulf Coast State College developing vehicles which will provide critical disaster response and communications support for such a substantial geographic area in Florida,” said Rob McAtee, fire apparatus sales representative with Ten-8 Fire Equipment.

“The customized design of the two C-25 Mobile Command Vehicles and one C-33 Mobile Command Center incorporates some of the most advanced features we’ve built into specialty vehicles to date. Our team, and our partners at Frontline Communications, look forward to providing dedicated support for training, service, and beyond.”