Hennessey Fire Department Prepares New Command Unit for Service
The Hennessey Fire Department is putting the finishing touches on its new Command Unit, which is expected to enter service soon.
The vehicle is owned by the Town of Hennessey and began its life as a Life EMS ambulance. After being retired from EMS service several years ago, it was assigned to the Hennessey Fire Department at no cost.
Former Fire Chief Bert Gritz initially developed a plan to repurpose the vehicle, but construction of the fire station addition took priority for several years.
Fire Chief Brandon Scott said the department spent considerable time developing a plan to convert the former ambulance into a vehicle that would better meet the department’s needs. Following the incident involving Loyal Fire Department firefighter Ty Gardner last year, it became clear that a dedicated command vehicle like this was needed.
“The conversion project was funded through Kingfisher County rural fire tax dollars that are distributed to all fire departments in Kingfisher County,” Scott said. “This funding has nothing to do with the recently approved 522 Ambulance District or the Town of Hennessey’s budget.”
The Command Unit recently returned from the outfitter with a fresh coat of paint and several functional upgrades. This week, the team at Royal Signs completed the vehicle’s graphics, and radio equipment is expected to be installed in the coming days.
One of the unit’s most notable features is an exterior video monitor that allows incident commanders to view the locations of fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles operating at the scene via GPS. The added technology will help improve coordination and communication during emergency responses.
Although it was once an ambulance, the vehicle will not be used for patient transport. Instead, it will serve as a mobile command center at fires, severe weather incidents, and other emergency scenes.
The unit will also function as a rehabilitation station for firefighters and other first responders, providing a place to cool down, rehydrate, and recover from heat and physical exertion during extended emergency operations.
Photos by AAH Jack Quirk
About The Author
