In support of the Governor’s Homeland Security Plan, ‘Securing Arizona’ the Department of Emergency & Military Affairs, Office of Homeland Security and Department of Public Safety, are working together to help improve radio interoperability for our emergency responders throughout Arizona.  As part of this effort, a new mobile communications vehicle is being built for each of the five state regions to help address radio communications interoperability statewide.  The mobile solution provides the flexibility to locate to any incident immediately and support emergency responders by providing voice and data communications services.

Bullfrog

Is a custom built 42’ RV style vehicle on a Freightliner MT55 chassis with diesel generator, multiple AC, conference/media room and bunk area. The interiors are designed with multiple workstations and work area to support field operations comfortably.

Toads

The vehicles include four 24’ wide-body van on a Ford E350 chassis with dual rear wheels, dual AC, and dual generators.

In addition, a trailer (known as Tadpole) is available in each of the regions that host a Toad vehicle to provide additional equipment and capabilities as needed. Please see the Arizona Statewide Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan (TICP) for more details on any of the communications assets.

Each Mobile Communications Vehicle (MCV) supports both operations at the county in which the vehicle is hosted and incidents or events at the regional, state or federal level. The Toad vehicles are under the operational control of the counties and are considered a regional asset. Emergency Management classifies the MCV as Quick Response Communications Vehicles which are available for rapid deployment throughout the State. They can be set up in approximately 45 minutes from scene arrival and operators should allow for additional time if software or programming changes are needed. 

Communications Capabilities

• Interoperable radio communications for a wide variety of users across multiple spectrums via the onboard ACU-1000.

• Users inside and outside the vehicle can connect to the Internet via the onboard networking systems, which include a wireless access point for external users.

• Provide field data connectivity and telephone infrastructure through the onboard broadband satellite system.