Trumbull County approves in‑county delivery, training for mobile command post vehicle

Trumbull County commissioners approved an amendment to a previously authorized purchase of a TCEMA mobile command post vehicle, adding $2,136 for delivery and in‑service training and increasing the total contract from $617,045 to $619,181.

The amendment, presented during the meeting, modifies the previously approved contract with LDV Custom Specialty Vehicles procured through the GSA Federal Procurement Program so county representatives from LDV would deliver the unit to Trumbull County and provide in‑house training to county personnel.

Why it matters: Commissioners and local emergency officials said the vehicle will centralize command functions during major incidents, linking 9‑1‑1, police, fire and emergency medical services. Mayor Ben Kyle, who spoke during public comment as chairman of the EMA advisory board, said the unit will let command teams “take our command post and be able to utilize it countywide, all 4 corners of the county to provide the emergency services that our residents deserve.”

The amendment passed on unanimous voice vote. Later in public comment, the board and several local economic and emergency leaders described investments in emergency management equipment as funded through ARPA and other county resources; they praised EMA Director John Hickey and the county’s EMA board for pursuing a modern, mobile command capability.

The board indicated the vehicle will be available for countywide response and demonstrations to the public and emergency partners. Commissioners said they hoped the new vehicle would largely remain unused except in incident response but would be available for training, public education and interagency coordination.