DUTCHESS COUNTY – The 45-foot-long, $1.5 million vehicle that resembles a recreational vehicle is the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response’s Mobile Command Center, nicknamed “EM-50” in reference to the 1981 film Stripes starring Bill Murray. The vehicle took 14 months to build after the county ordered it in 2022.
“First responders and their leadership must have access to information at the scene of any major incident,” said Emergency Response Commissioner Dana Smith. “In today’s environment, access to their technology, technical information and their records is required,” he explained, drawing attention to the communications systems in the vehicle. “Real-time information, including video, is critical for incident commanders to be aware of the situation and make an informed and optimal decision at the scene of a major incident. This vehicle and its resources provide that platform.”
The vehicle has a life expectancy of 20 years and can travel 1,000,000 miles. It has IP-based technical equipment housed in computer racks similar to the IT racks in an office, so the system can be easily updated. All on-board technology must be wired. According to the manufacturer, the EM-50 is over a mile long.
Since arriving in Dutchess and entering service, the EM-50 has been used in two major incidents: the Wappingers Falls explosion on Brick Row in November 2023 and the Silo Ridge building fire in Amenia. It has also been used at community events as an additional security measure, participating in the Sinterklaas Festival in December 2023 in Rhinebeck and the 2024 Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Parade, the Millbrook Marathon and the Hudson Valley Marathon via the Walkway.
Further features of the EM-50 mobile command center:
Features two separate rooms, one for communications and one for incident command/control.
- The communications room has 6 positions for radio communications/9-1-1 telephone connectivity and 9-1-1 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) connectivity.
- The front room has space for 10 people and more space for standing
- 30KW generator
- Dejero FirstNet-enabled, connected cellular gateway for Internet access. Combines 3 cellular networks plus satellite to provide the most reliable and stable Internet access, regardless of cellular network congestion or availability.
- Extron Video Matrix – Enables 16 separate HDMI 4K video feed inputs and 16 outputs
- 50′ telescopic mast with antennas and high-resolution IP camera
- 28′ telescopic light mast with high resolution IP camera
- FotoKite usable, tethered drone that sends back to the EM-50 with color and infrared camera
- Connected to the district’s IP telephone network
- Communication capabilities across the entire radio spectrum to ensure radio interoperability. These resources cover all emergency services in Dutchess County, our region and New York State.
- Includes national interoperability in radio communications.
- Different printers, office supplies and resources are needed at a site.
The size of the vehicle presented a challenge in organizing mechanical maintenance and inspection; the vehicle is too high to be placed on the county workshop’s lifts. The size of the vehicle also requires special storage arrangements.
