So the adventure continues for me in the Logistics Section for my department. An old Fire Captain, turned loose in the office. What a concept. The latest research I had to do was spec-ing out a new Tahoe and Suburban for our line Battalion Chief's in regard to both communications equipment and emergency lighting. I'm starting from scratch here but have just completed the R&D on the components and it's that info that I am sharing with you today... Failure to prepare is preparing for failure... Hopefully, I've my homework here. Please feel free to send your thoughts on this design which was developed by one of our best field Battalion Chief's. This post includes both the materials listing (sans any labor costs) and what the vehicle looks like using these components. This vehicle is designed to be a working vehicle and in my opinion is a very strong design model for others to copy. TCSS, SB Mike

Santa Barbara County Fire Department Battalion Chief's Command Vehicle

Add On's for Communications, Lighting, Command and Control...

Headliner Mounted Mini-Speaker for Scanner
Havis-Shields Co. Center Console (www.havis.com)
*You need to also order a mounting bracket and trak mount for the console.
Console Add-Ons: Map Light, (2) 12-volt power sources and install two radio heads, unitrol siren control and radio frequency scanner (with 800mHz capability).
Rear Lift Gate Hatch: Installed LED Amber Warning Lights (only visible when hatch is open)
Grill Lights Red/Red Split
Side Lights (2) on Front Fenders
Headlight Flasher Unit
Kenwood Radio 12-volt Charger
Bendix King Radio 12-volt Charger
Cole Hersee Dual Battery Selector and Disconnector Switch
Battery Cables (25-feet estimated for hook-up)
Lug Nut Ends (6) attached to the Cables
Kenwood TK-790 UHF Mobile Radios (2) with Control Heads (Front & Back)
Unitrol Siren and Emergency Lighting Control Unit
Bearcat Trunk Tracker Scanner
and more...

EXTERIOR PHOTOS:

INTERIOR PHOTOS:

REAR COMMAND BOX:

This is what we will be using in the future for command boxes. One important point to consider about these (and why we have to wait and budget for them) is that they cost >$3,000.00 each. But they are worth every penny. You get what you pay for here. I am sure many of you have been using these for years.