In late July 2007, Fire Communications took delivery of a Field Communications Unit or Field Comm 1. FC-1 was purchased entirely with grant money and is an asset of the Charlotte UASI (Urban Area Security Initiative). FC-1 is also an asset of North Carolina USAR Task Force 3 and is available to respond anywhere in the region at a moments notice.
Field Comm 1 is staffed by 10 specially trained Communications personnel that staff the Communications Center and respond when the need arises. Field Comm is currently staffed by one Comm Unit Leader, nine Field Comm Telecommunicators and two Field Comm IT members (assigned to Charlotte Fire IT Division). If FC-1 is assigned to a call within the city limits of Charlotte and the anticipated length of the incident is one operational period or less, the on-duty Field Comm TC will respond with the unit. If the incident is outside the city limits of Charlotte, or requires the deployment of the Regional Response Haz-Mat or NC USAR Task Force, two Field Comm TC’s and one Field Comm IT member will respond.
FC-1 is a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with a multitude of radio and phone equipment. FC-1’s main role is to provide communications support for Charlotte Fire Department assets operating at major incidents. FC-1 is also responsible for providing phone and/or radio systems for areas without coverage or that have been devastated by a natural or manmade disaster. Current equipment includes:
-ACU-1000
-11 IP phones (5 desk phones, 5 wireless phones, and 1 Field Comm phone)
-3 Wireless access points (provide wireless internet service for an approximately 1000’ radius)
-Mobile satellite television
-2 800 radios, 2 UHF radios, 2 VHF radios
-DVD player/recorder
-Charlotte Fire MDT (allows for the FC Telecommunicator to provide on scene dispatch capabilities)
-5 Spare portable radios/batteries
-2 video cameras, 1 front and 1 rear
