News

GulfCoast_BannerThe new disaster response vehicles will support Gulf Coast State College and the surrounding eight counties with advanced communications and technology assets during emergency scenarios.

APPLETON, Wis. (August 3, 2022)Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., and a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, has taken delivery of three disaster response vehicles incorporating advanced communication and technology features. Sold through Pierce and Frontline Communications’ dealer, Ten-8 Fire Equipment, the highly customized vehicles include two C-25 Mobile Command Vehicles and one C-33 Mobile Command Center.

GulfCoast_Inset1“When hurricane Michael came through in 2018, it was a category 5 event resulting in extensive damage and communications challenges,” said James Baxley Jr., executive director of radio, TV, and broadcasting with Gulf Coast State College. “We aimed to close communications gaps and do a better job next time, and our new Frontline Communications disaster response vehicles provide us with the most technologically advanced resources to face future events. The vehicles were obtained through the Triumph Grant and maintain an eight-county memorandum of understanding to be put in service where and when needed to support emergency operations.”

Some of the most notable system design and integrated communications attributes of Gulf Coast State College’s new disaster response vehicles include:

  • Cellular and satellite data network
  • Point-to-point transmission system 2+ gigabit per minute
  • Dual HD/thermal PTZ camera
  • Columbia weatherstation
  • HAM radio system with auto-tuning and PC controls
  • Video switching matrix
  • Multiple PCs for data processing
  • 42-foot mast for custom antenna/camera deployment
  • Docking station for TVU cellular backpack encoder
  • Exterior workstation with anti-glare monitor
  • Electric awning
  • UHF, VHF, and HAM radios
The vehicles’ data services on a cellular and satellite backbone are augmented by a mast-based, point-to-point transmission system featuring auto-acquisition and transfer rates of over two gigabit per minute, intended for transfer of live UAV video between trucks.

Other vehicle features include:

Features C-25 C-33
Chassis: Ford F-550 4x4 Acela Monterra 6x6
Cab Seating Capacity: 4 2
GVWR: 19,500 lbs. 44,650 lbs.
Generator: 12kW 20kW
Workstations: 2 9
HVAC: 2 roof-mount 4 roof-mount

GulfCoast_Inset2Baxley added, “With over 40 years of building communications vehicles, we knew Frontline Communications would be able to deliver what we needed. These new vehicles were customized to fit our needs, and we hope even more than the eight counties around us will benefit from their remarkable features when they are faced with water, hurricanes, fire, and other emergencies.”

Gulf Coast State College’s new disaster response vehicles were delivered in late May, and emergency responders have begun extensive training to properly utilize the assets when needed.

“We’ve appreciated having the opportunity to work with Gulf Coast State College developing vehicles which will provide critical disaster response and communications support for such a substantial geographic area in Florida,” said Rob McAtee, fire apparatus sales representative with Ten-8 Fire Equipment. “The customized design of the two C-25 Mobile Command Vehicles and one C-33 Mobile Command Center incorporates some of the most advanced features we’ve built into specialty vehicles to date. Our team, and our partners at Frontline Communications, look forward to providing dedicated support for training, service, and beyond.”

To learn more about Frontline Communications and the latest disaster response vehicles, visit www.frontlinecomm.com.

View All News

Subscribe & Keep Up To Date

Yes, I want to become a Pierce guru!


Topics: Critical Response Unit



About Frontline Communications
Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), is the leading manufacturer of custom broadcast and communications vehicles. The company’s wide range of products, including SUV’s, Vans and Heavy-Duty Custom Aluminum Bodies are valued for their quality, advanced technologies and integration capabilities that perform in the most extreme environments. Frontline Communications is an ISO 9001:2015 Registered company. Visit www.frontlinecomm.com for more information. 

About Oshkosh Corporation
Founded in 1917, Oshkosh Corporation is 100 years strong and continues to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh brings together a unique set of integrated capabilities and diverse end markets that, when combined with the Company’s MOVE strategy and positive long-term outlook, illustrate why Oshkosh is a different integrated global industrial.  The Company is a leader in designing, manufacturing and servicing a broad range of access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency, military and specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, London® and IMT®.

Today, Oshkosh Corporation is a Fortune 500 Company with manufacturing operations on four continents. Its products are recognized around the world for quality, durability and innovation, and can be found in more than 150 countries around the globe.  As a different integrated global industrial, Oshkosh is committed to making a difference for team members, customers, shareholders, communities and the environment. For more information, please visit oshkoshcorporation.com.