NYC unveils state-of-the-art Emergency Communications Vehicle

NYC’s new Emergency Communications Vehicle, the ECV-1, was unveiled Tuesday. Photo: NYCOTI

CITYWIDE — NYC CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Matthew Fraser announced Tuesday the launch of a first-of-its-kind Emergency Communications Vehicle, dubbed ECV-1, that marks a major expansion of the city’s public safety capabilities. ECV-1, created by retrofitting an existing city-owned vehicle, will ensure uninterrupted connectivity to the city’s first responder agencies, including 911 call centers, during large planned events and actual disaster situations, Fraser said in a release.

The vehicle can serve as a mobile technology center and command post for first responders, and can extend network and radio connectivity to city, state and federal partners during emergencies, Fraser said. ECV-1 will deploy for the first time at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, assisting with NYC Emergency Management communications and drone operations.

Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker and Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol praised the vehicle, calling it a “tremendous asset” that could make the difference in an emergency.

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