May 30, 2025 — The City of Sarnia unveiled its new Emergency Management Mobile Command Vehicle today, showcasing the vehicle that will function as a forward site command vehicle during emergency response efforts.
The purpose-built new vehicle replaces the City’s previous retrofitted vehicle that has surpassed its end of life. The new command vehicle will function as a forward site command centre for multi-agency emergency response, providing a full suite of workstation tools to facilitate timely and cohesive coordination during emergencies. With a full suite of technology, including the ability to tie into City networks, the vehicle will serve as a base of operations, providing working space for site commanders from agencies such as Sarnia Fire Rescue, police and industry partners.
“The new command unit brings us up to date in how we coordinate efforts seamlessly across organizations on the ground as we respond to large scale emergencies,” said Deputy Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator James Kostuk, noting that the vehicle and its technology ensures that site commanders have access to all the tools they need, including full data connectivity and mapping, at their finger tips.
The $800,000 mobile command unit was generously supported through a $200,000 contribution from the Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (BASES).
“BASES – formerly CAER – is proud to support the City of Sarnia with this important community investment. This mobile command unit strengthens the ability to respond effectively to local emergencies and reflects our shared commitment to safety and emergency preparedness,” said BASES General Manager Jason Vaillant.
The vehicle features a primary work area with five workstations, and five screens which can be connected to a variety of devices. There is an additional secure private work area with integrated technology in the vehicle. The City is currently completing final steps to connect the vehicle into cellular networks and radio systems ahead of full deployment. The vehicle is also being equipped with cameras that can be deployed across emergency sites to provide incident commanders with real-time visual information.