The city of White Rock is examining the benefits of having a mobile command unit for its emergency teams.
In a report recommending the move, fire Chief Phil Lemire explains the recent arrival of two new trucks at the hall presents an opportunity to create a unit that could be used for communications and co-ordination purposes in the event of a larger or longer-term incident.
“While the city has been fortunate not to require this type of unit on a regular basis, the potential certainly exists,” Lemire notes.
The vehicle in question is a 1995 Gruman Step Van.
It is expected to be taken out of service next month, after crews finish training on the Ford 550 that replaced it.
Under city policy, surplus vehicles are typically disposed of, city manager Peggy Clark noted during the July 18 council meeting.
In his report, Lemire cites the upcoming Snowbirds Fly for CHILD event as one situation where a local mobile command unit could be beneficial.
This year, B.C. Ambulance Service was asked to supply one of theirs, he adds.
Council gave unanimous support to exploring the concept. Lemire estimates the 2012 operational cost of the unit, if approved, at $4,500.