"No matter where an event occurs in Indiana, we must be able to bring to the scene resources to enable a swift, effective response," said J. Eric Dietz, IDHS executive director. "The MCC provides us that capability by bringing the appropriate state responding agencies on site to assess a situation in order to communicate, coordinate, and execute an appropriate response plan."
The MCC will accommodate a crew of up to 21 from responding state agencies, with each workstation on the center including a designated laptop and telephone line. The communication capabilities also include a satellite system for data and telephone capabilities, nine radio workstations, a system to enable interoperability and additional capability for amateur radio operations, an intergraded telephone system to provide cell, satellite or hard line capabilities, and video-teleconferencing capabilities.
"Time is of the essence when responding to any event," said Phil Roberts, director of Division of Emergency Response at the IDHS. "Our previous mobile command served us well, but the new MCC offers us high-tech capabilities, which will prove invaluable in offering an efficient response and potentially further protecting Hoosier lives and property."
Later this summer, the IDHS will take the new MCC to each of the state's 10 homeland security districts to display for local first responders and the public. IDHS' current mobile command, once fully retired, will take up residence at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center for use during homeland security exercises conducted at the facility.
