Mobile Command Unit Case Study: Hunterdon County’s Next-Generation Emergency Operations Center

Hunterdon County, New Jersey, faced a challenge familiar to many emergency response teams. Its mobile command unit had served its time and could no longer meet current demands.

To move forward, its emergency operations management sought out a vehicle designed to handle the same functions as their central emergency operations center but operate directly at the scene.

This case study walks through the designated mission and specifications of Hunterdon County’s C-40X-4 mobile command unit.

Mobile Command Unit Project Overview

Hunterdon County's public safety team needed to replace its aging mobile command unit but wanted more than a vehicle upgrade. The goal was a response vehicle designed to extend the full capabilities of its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) into the field, supporting planned events and emergency incidents with the same level of coordination, communication and capabilities.

The new mobile command unit is an extension of the county’s fixed command infrastructure, made mobile for real-world demands.

The result is a purpose-built C-40X-4 mobile command unit, unveiled at FDIC 2025. Designed and constructed by Frontline Communications, the vehicle brings advanced operational capability for every deployment.

Project Details

• Customer: Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety, New Jersey
• Vehicle: C-40X-4 Mobile Command Unit
• Mission: Replicate the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) capabilities in a deployable format
• Builder: Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing

Built on a Saber® custom chassis with a 450-horsepower engine, the 41-foot vehicle features four expansive slide-outs, perimeter and mast-mounted cameras, and multiple communications systems including VHF/UHF, cellular and satellite connectivity. The interior includes 4 large workstations, a conference room and integrated video-sharing tools which allow for seamless collaboration between agencies.

The Need for a Mobile Emergency Operations Center

Hunterdon County recognized a growing need for a mobile solution designed to support a full range of emergency operations without being tied to a fixed location. This functionality enhances the responsiveness of the mobile EOC in various scenarios, including weather-related events, planned public safety responsibilities and support for on-scene efforts during active emergencies.

More public safety agencies are transitioning to mobile units with the ability to function as fixed command centers. These vehicles are designed to carry the same communication tools, workspace and technology found in traditional EOCs.

Key Features of the C-40X-4

Built to meet the operational demands of modern emergency response, Hunterdon County’s C-40X-4 mobile command unit integrates heavy-duty performance with advanced technology and flexible interior design.

• Chassis: The unit is built on a Saber® chassis, with 50-inch cab, engineered with side roll and frontal impact protection. This provides a stable, reinforced platform that holds up well both in transit and while stationed at an active scene, even under challenging conditions.
• Engine: A Cummins L9 engine delivers 450 horsepower, providing the power needed to support the vehicle’s size, onboard systems and extended deployments without compromising performance.
• Slide-Outs: Four large slide-outs expand the interior, providing sufficient room to accommodate additional personnel and maintain a workable layout during busy, multi-agency responses.

Interior Layout and Functionality

• Conference Room: A central meeting space seats up to 12 people, supporting coordinated decision-making during high-stakes situations.
• Command Workstations: Two dedicated workstations at the front of the unit function as dispatch or communications hubs, allowing staff to manage emergency and non-emergency calls directly from the field.
• Galley: A full-service galley is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker to support personnel during extended missions.
• Surveillance Systems: A 42-foot mast with a high-definition pan-tilt-zoom camera, combined with a perimeter camera system, provides wide-area situational awareness and enhances field security.

Technology and Communications

• Power Supply: A 25kW generator powers all onboard systems, supporting full operation in remote or power-restricted areas.
• Lighting: A Will-Burt light tower enables effective nighttime deployment, ensuring the unit remains fully functional in low-visibility or after-dark conditions.
• Connectivity Suite: The vehicle includes a Kymeta satellite system, a Dejero LTE router with multiple carriers, Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, and an Extron video routing system. These tools ensure continuous, redundant connectivity for video, voice and data, even in locations where cell service is compromised.
• Display and Interface: A 65-inch touchscreen display supports real-time video sharing, data analysis and briefings, giving staff direct access to essential information.

Additional Capabilities

• Climate Control: A 4-ton HVAC system maintains a stable environment inside the unit, ensuring equipment stays protected and crews remain comfortable in any weather.
• Clean/Dirty Wi-Fi Streams: The network enables secure separation of communication through two Wi-Fi streams. The first is a private, encrypted stream for first responders. The second is a separate public-facing stream that civilians can use during disaster response or recovery efforts.

The C-40X-4 gives Hunterdon County a command presence it can bring directly to the scene. Its layout, systems and build quality support the kind of decisions and coordination that can’t wait for a return to headquarters.

Results and Real-World Impact

Hunterdon County’s new mobile command unit was designed to operate as a true extension of the county’s Emergency Operations Center, providing reliable communication, coordination and workspace directly at the scene.

With its combination of cellular, satellite and radio systems, the unit maintains full connectivity in every environment.

Over 30 consecutive days supporting various incidents, the unit has demonstrated consistent performance under pressure. Users found the vehicle performed on par with the county’s permanent EOC.

This field experience reinforced the value of having a mobile unit equipped to handle the full scope of emergency response needs.

Advice for Other Agencies

When considering a mobile command unit, it is helpful to start by focusing on how the vehicle will be used. Every agency works differently, and the design should reflect those day-to-day demands. A flexible layout, along with systems that can be updated or expanded later, enables the unit to remain useful as equipment and response needs evolve.

Involving end users early in the process helps create a customized plan. Input from dispatchers, IT teams and field supervisors helps ensure the vehicle supports day-to-day demands without compromise. A well-designed unit should function independently, maintaining reliable satellite, cellular and radio connections even in remote or disrupted areas.

Explore More

To see how Hunterdon County’s mobile command unit came together and how it’s already making an impact, take a closer look at the whole story. The design, build process and field performance are all highlighted in greater detail in Episode No. 30 of Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast.

Learn more about Frontline Communications’ custom-built solutions and how your agency can get started on a vehicle designed for real-world response.

Let us know in the comments how your department is planning for future mobile incident response.