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Council authorizes purchase of mobile command center to support police, emergency management and regional partners
Summary
The council approved purchase of a mobile command center (trailer with pole camera, drone integration, generator and independent Wi‑Fi) from Blackstone Tower Partners LLC (DVA Draxon) to support public-safety and emergency operations; staff said the unit can be used for mutual‑aid with neighboring cities and events.
The Anna City Council unanimously authorized the purchase of a mobile command center for the police department on Sept. 23, 2025, a trailer‑type unit equipped with a 26‑foot pole camera, a larger DJI Matrice class drone, interior workstations, independent Wi‑Fi and generator power.
Police Chief Dean Hable and Corporal Josh Yates described the unit's uses: incident command at prolonged incidents, enhanced situational awareness via drone and pole camera feeds, mobile streaming to field supervisors and interoperability with the city's Fusus video platform. Chief Hable said the unit can support multiple city departments during natural disasters or special events and noted Arlington Police provided a positive local reference for the product vendor.
Why it matters: the command center adds a deployable capability for event security, storm response and multi‑agency incidents. Chief Hable said the unit's power and independent connectivity would allow the city to operate an on‑site command post when fixed facilities or communications are degraded.
Staff addressed operational details raised by council members: the police department said the trailer size was selected so existing department vehicles (pickup trucks and Tahoes) could tow it; the minimum staffing needed to operate it would be two people but it can accommodate more; the department plans to use it regionally under existing or future interlocal agreements with nearby cities. Council members asked about life expectancy and replacement plans; staff said major components would be replaced on an ad‑hoc basis and the department expects long operational life with periodic upgrades.
Outcome: The council approved the resolution authorizing purchase of the mobile command center from Blackstone Tower Partners LLC (DVA Draxon). No closed session was required.
Ending: Chief Hable said the unit will expand the city's incident-management options for storms, special events and mutual‑aid support; staff will return with deployment protocols, training plans and any interlocal agreements needed for regional use.
