Buffalo Grove gets emergency communications vehicle

The Village of Buffalo Grove’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has acquired a new MobileComm vehicle, which was placed in service just in time for Buffalo Grove Days. It replaces a vehicle that has been in service for 20 years. With more than 20 radios, the vehicle is able to provide communication support to first responders. A series of internal and remote cameras send wireless signals back to the vehicle, allowing first responders the ability to view an incident from a safe distance. Equipped with a phone system, Internet access, fax and print services, and video conferencing ability, the truck also is able to provide supplemental support to first responders. EMA volunteers donated more than 700 hours this year in the design and construction of the interior of the truck. MobileComm has been used as a command post for community events and its capabilities have been an important asset during incidents like the Villa Verde Apartment complex fire of 2000, the telephone outage of 2000, the freight train chemical release of 2005 and the train derailment of 2009. It also has been used to support other events in the Chicago area, including the election night party in Grant Park when Barack Obama was elected president.