Excelerate has been awarded a contract to deliver a comprehensive technology refurbishment of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service’s Incident Command Unit (ICU).
The project represents a significant investment in modernising the vehicle’s command, control, communications and situational awareness capabilities, ensuring emergency response personnel have access to resilient, integrated and mission-critical technologies during incidents and multi-agency operations.
Next generation mobile command platform
The refurbishment will transform the existing ICU into a state of the art mobile command platform. Incident commanders will be able to access and manage operational information through a centralised digital dashboard.
The new system will support the simultaneous display and management of multiple live feeds, including Microsoft Teams communications, thermal imaging, CCTV, drone footage and live broadcast services across the control room, meeting room and external operational areas.
Advanced technology upgrades
The scope of works includes the installation of a fully integrated Digital Dashboard Management System, professional grade multimedia display technology, advanced collaboration tools and enhanced operational communications infrastructure.
Key upgrades include centralised control of internal and external display screens and audio systems through a unified dashboard interface, along with professional grade multimedia displays throughout the vehicle.
A large format interactive smart whiteboard will also support operational planning and collaboration.
Microsoft Teams Room integration will feature intelligent speaker and presenter tracking technology, integrated audio systems and roaming microphone capability.
Enhanced communications and resilience
The project also includes replacement of the existing mast mounted thermal imaging camera with a modern PTZ thermal and CCTV camera system featuring enhanced zoom and surveillance capabilities.
Additional improvements include weather resistant external briefing displays, outdoor audio systems, wireless microphone support, high performance satellite communications with automatic 5G failover, dedicated wireless connectivity for partner agencies, an integrated weather monitoring system, upgraded USB charging infrastructure, vehicle bodywork refurbishment, high visibility markings and modernised incident command boards.
Six month delivery programme
The project includes full decommissioning, installation, integration, testing, commissioning and warranty support for all systems.
Designed around operational resilience, energy efficiency and long term reliability, the upgraded ICU will provide Clare County Fire and Rescue Service with a future ready mobile command environment capable of supporting emergency response operations for years to come.
The refurbishment is scheduled for completion within six months of contract commencement and includes comprehensive maintenance and warranty support on all newly installed equipment and software.
Bethan Evans, Excelerate’s Chief Operating Officer said: “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver this important refurbishment project for Clare County Fire and Rescue Service.
“The upgraded ICU will provide emergency response teams with enhanced communications, improved situational awareness and greater collaboration capabilities when responding to complex incidents.
“We look forward to working closely with the Clare County team to deliver a modern and resilient operational platform that supports frontline personnel in their critical work.”
