Connecticut Gets First Shipment of Homeland Security Trucks

June 20, 2005
Each trucks will be equipped with a system to allow interdepartmental communication among emergency responders.

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (AP) -- The state began taking delivery Monday of 34 trucks designed to help emergency officials respond quickly to a terrorist attack or natural disaster.

The ''prime mover'' vehicles will be stationed across the state. They are designed to haul decontamination trailers and serve as mobile headquarters at disaster sites.

Greenwich Fire Chief Dan Warzoha, whose town will receive one of the first six trucks delivered Monday, said they also will come in handy if there is another attack on New York.

''Our experience has been from the World Trade Center attack and the NBC anthrax event, we had people come to our local hospitals from New York,'' he said. ''They want to come home, that's just human nature. Now we can prevent them from being contaminated and the hospital from being contaminated.''

Each truck cost about $138,000. They will be equipped with a new communications system that will allow emergency responders from any town or department to talk to each other at a disaster scene, official said.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!