EMA to sign MOU with Illinois State Police to enable radios in mobile operations bus; delivery expected Jan. 2026

The county’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) told the finance committee it will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Illinois State Police that authorizes programming state police frequencies into radios for a mobile operations and communications center (command bus) the county ordered.

EMA representative said Pat Herman reviewed the MOU and concluded it covers operation or use but has no financial implications for either party; EMA indicated it will sign the MOU after the committee meeting unless there is an objection.

The command bus chassis is in fabrication and agencies in the region have been contacted for frequency information. EMA said radios will be programmed and then installed when the vehicle is delivered. EMA estimated delivery in January 2026 but said it could arrive as early as December 2025; because the vendor will not accept the vehicle until delivery, EMA plans to forward the associated budget line item into the next fiscal year (fund 33).

EMA also reported that a recently completed apron extension behind the EMA building is already functional as gravel has been placed.

Ending: EMA will sign the MOU with the Illinois State Police and expects the mobile operations and communications center to arrive in late 2025 or January 2026; the budgeted purchase will be forwarded to the next fiscal year to align with delivery.