Avinger and Hughes Springs launch Mobile Command Unit

Captain Mike Bullock of the Avinger Volunteer Fire Department introduced the new Mobile Command Unit (MCU) to the Avinger City Council at its regular meeting Oct. 24. The vehicle is equipped with work stations and command radios as well as a battery charging station. The MCU, which was a joint venture between Avinger and Hughes Springs, will be useful when there is an incident or emergency condition that requires interdepartmental cooperation. “Sometimes, we might have a situation that involves more than one location, or that requires the attention of personnel from both cities, or the county,” explained Bob Kenyan, Instructor and Public Information Officer for the Avinger VFD. “This mobile unit can be transported easily to a convenient site, which will allow multiple emergency and law enforcement personnel to establish a single base of operations. This will enhance their ability to work together, and share information in a faster and more efficient manner.”

According to Bullock, the trailer for the MCU was donated to the project, and grant funds were obtained for the finish-out. “So far,” says Bullock, “no funds have been spent by either Hughes Springs or Avinger for the vehicle or its furnishings.”