
Custom command vehicle supports coordination, interoperability and real-time incident management capabilities.
CLEARWATER, Fla. (July 10, 2026) – Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, has delivered a custom C-45X-4 Mobile Command Unit to the Kansas City Fire Department. The unit, which was delivered in advance of the World Cup to support the fire department and emergency response operations at the event, provides a centralized platform for incident management, communications and multi-agency coordination.
The project reflects a collaborative effort among Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department, Frontline Communications and Conrad Fire Equipment. As the local Pierce dealer and a key project partner, Conrad Fire Equipment worked extensively with both the fire department and Frontline Communications throughout the specification, design and technology integration process to ensure the unit was tailored to meet Kansas City’s operational requirements.
“This new mobile command and communications vehicle significantly reinforces the Kansas City Fire Department’s ability to manage complex incidents, coordinate large-scale events and support regional emergency operations,” said Michael Hopkins, Battalion Chief of the Kansas City Fire Department. “The platform provides advanced communication technology and command capabilities that strengthen coordination between first responders and partner agencies in real time.”
Supporting Regional Preparedness
The mobile command unit, built on a Pierce® Velocity custom chassis, is configured with a 35-foot custom aluminum body with four slide-out sections, designed to support complex, mobile operations. The interior includes a large conference room with seating for twelve, six workstations, a galley and a lavatory to support extended deployments.
Other key amenities include:
- Frontline Communications Command Zone™ multiplex power system with touchscreen display
- Two full-height custom equipment racks and two exterior 43-inch display compartments
- Full-length awning and 4-ton Northern Air HVAC system for operator comfort
- Light tower for high-output scene illumination
The vehicle also integrates a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies, including an Extron 32x32 video router, Raytheon JPS ACU-Z1 radio interoperability system, 11 Motorola radios with patch panel, Starlink satellite connectivity, FLIR thermal/HD mast camera and more than 20 integrated display screens to support situational awareness and command operations.
Supporting Regional Preparedness
The mobile command unit serves as a critical asset for the Kansas City Fire Department, supporting coordinated response efforts, major planned events and regional emergency operations. The unit’s design emphasizes mobility and interoperability, enabling personnel to operate efficiently in the field while maintaining communication across agencies.
“The department had already identified the need to modernize and expand our mobile command capabilities as part of our long-term operational planning,” added Hopkins. “This purchase reflects a broader commitment to operational readiness, regional coordination and the future needs of Kansas City.”
To learn more about Frontline Communications and its custom mobile command solutions, visit www.frontlinecomm.com.