HOMELAND SECURITY County to get vehicle made for emergencies

The vehicle will be made available to surrounding counties.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County is getting a command vehicle that can be used during disasters, power blackouts and major crimes.
The $376,000 vehicle is being paid for by the Office of Homeland Security. It's one of eight such vehicles being placed throughout Ohio by homeland security and the Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association.
Features
It will have two built-in seats with computer access, along with radio, phone and television reception. It will also have its own generator.
"It has just about all the goodies," Sheriff David L. Smith said Thursday.
The vehicle will be delivered late this year or early next year.
"I think it's great for this county," Smith said. "I think there's a need for one of these vehicles in every county."
Columbiana County couldn't afford the vehicle on its own. Smith said he was grateful to have it.
Power outage
Recent storms in the county knocked out power to the sheriff's office. It has backup generators for its radio operations, which did not immediately kick in on two occasions.
In case of a very long blackout, the county can quickly use the vehicle to resume operations. The vehicle can also be used as a command post for its special response team.
It's one of the largest Homeland Security grants ever awarded in the state. The vehicles will be based throughout Ohio and can be used in adjoining counties. The other counties receiving the vehicles are Lake, Washington, Ross, Montgomery, Hancock, Lucas and Richland.
The mobile command centers are massive vehicles. Each is 29 feet long and about seven feet high. Each one will be powered by a 300 horsepower turbocharged engine.
However, Smith said the vehicles will be specially built so that anyone could drive them. Deputies will not have to get a state truck driver's license to operate them.
wilkinson@vindy.com