Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Candia board debates repurposing surplus cruiser as emergency command vehicle; no vote
Summary
The Candia select board discussed designating a surplus police cruiser as an emergency command vehicle, with members split over who would control and maintain it; the item was tabled until chiefs can attend for clarification.
The Candia select board on Jan. 12 debated whether a surplus police cruiser should be repurposed as an emergency management command vehicle but took no formal vote, agreeing to revisit the matter when both the police and fire chiefs are present.
Committee member (S5) described the vehicle as a "command vehicle" outfitted with communications equipment and storage for incident boards to coordinate multi‑alarm responses. "It's pretty typical to have a command vehicle so that whoever's on-site ... they have separate communications," the committee member said, arguing the vehicle would centralize on‑scene communications.
Several members questioned whether the town needs an extra specialized vehicle. Chair (S2) asked who would have authority and responsibility for maintenance; members noted the police department already runs duty officer vehicles and that adding another asset could create upkeep challenges. Deputy EM director (S7) said he could adapt a vehicle he controls and said, "I can put a board in mine because I'm the deputy EM director," offering a potential interim solution.
Staff member (S6) and others urged postponing any decision until the police chief and fire chief can attend a future meeting to clarify whether the request was formal. S6 requested the item be returned to the agenda with chief-level attendees to resolve ownership, maintenance, and equipment questions.
The board did not take formal action; members tentatively agreed to decide once the new Tahoe cruisers arrive and chiefs can clarify operational needs. The item will return to a future agenda for a formal recommendation and possible motion.
