Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., which builds RV, bus and delivery vehicle chassis, constructed the command unit's chassis.

The trailer portion of the vehicle, which contains thousands of dollars worth of communications and satellite equipment, a conference room, kitchen, bathroom and a crisis negotiation room, was designed by Matthews Specialty Vehicles in Greensboro, N.C.

"It really helps our employees when they can see the fruits of their labor," Freightliner spokeswoman Missy Grey said. "We have 950 employees, and it gives them a sense of pride to know they have built something that is out there making a difference and possibly saving lives."

For one of its first missions, the Unified Command Center was deployed in July for the Jackson Mill Fire in Wellford. It helped coordinate the efforts of more than 100 firefighters from six departments for two days.

"All of our emergency services have been thrilled with its performance," Spartanburg County Fire Marshal Bill Hall said. "The county has never had anything like this. It took months of planning, but it's a perfect fit for us."

Hall and a team of designers helped give the Unified Command Center all of the comforts of an office, including wireless Internet, a fax machine and an onboard intercom.

"Without (the vehicle) they would be working off of the hood of a Suburban or from the front seat of a squad car," said Greg Leimone, account executive for Matthews Specialty Vehicles. "We tried to make it functional and technologically advanced to meet their needs while keeping in mind their budget. I think it has already helped pay for itself."

By Trevor Anderson

Published: Wednesday, October 31, 2007