CONTROL UNIT

Strathclyde's first Control Unit was inherited from the Glasgow Fire Service

STRATHCLYDE’S DESIGN FOR CONTROL UNITS

A new control unit now in operation with Strathclyde Fire Brigade is based on a Fiat 60 F 10 high top, long wheelbase, van.
“This type of vehicle has proved reliable and effective as a technical support unit, mobile workshops and mobile stores recently brought into service within the brigade,” says Firemaster R. Knowlton.
The layout was designed by members of the Operations Section at Brigade Headquarters and the conversion work carried out by John Stuart & Co. (Wishaw) Ltd. Internally it measures 16 ft by 6 ft. At one end, in an area of 9 ft by 6 ft is a full length console and wallboard where two operators can work comfortably. This leaves an area 7 ft. by 6 ft fitted out as a general conference area. A sliding door separates the two.
An auxiliary battery pack supplies electrical power. A compact lightweight 110 volt Dale generator float charges the batteries during use at an incident. The vehicle is fitted with a combined multi-note electronic siren and public address system.
Communications equipment consists of a multi-channel auto-searching radio phone, two independent fireground radio base sets with six hand portables and the brigade’s broadcast system.
(Fire magazine, July 1981, Page 80.)

PUS225W apparently started its 'life' as a mobile uniform distribution vehicle operated by the Stores.

The new Command Unit will be a 40' articulated trailer which as well as being used for Command and Control will also be used for Commumity Fire Safety Work.

Major Incident Command Unit
During 2007 Cebotec, a bodybuilder based in Falkirk, manufactured a 40ft Command and Control unit built on a stepped trailer frame which has been successfully added to Strathclyde’s fleet. Totally self sufficient, the unit is fitted with a whisper generator that provides the power for all onboard functions. Various computer and communication systems, a 12m pneumatic mast with thermal imaging ‘Metal Mickey’ CCTV camera, peripheral CCTV, satellite communication and two 40tin plasma screens overlaid with electronic white boards are included.
The forward placed command suite offers privacy to senior managers and officers who can monitor all operations while retaining the ability to communicate to, and manage, situations that may arise. A fully functional operations suite completes the unit which is also equipped with an onboard disabled persons access hoist, fully equipped kitchen and toilet.
This vehicle has a separate control room, briefing room, toilet and a small kitchen fitted with a microwave, refrigerator and sink. The control room has three console positions, air conditioning and a heating system. The "Metal Mickey" camera is mounted on a mast which can extend to 13.7metres.  The Command Unit will attend all incidents of eight pumps or more. This appliance will also be used to promote fire safety and for this purpose a wheelchair lift has been fitted so there will be no access problems at these Community Safety presentations.
The FCUs will attend Level 2 responses and will travel at normal road speed without blue lights. The Command Unit will attend Level 4 responses. When the Command Unit arrives at an incident the FCU crew will move onto the Command Unit.

Appliances

If you know of any mistakes in this or have any additional information please let me know.

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