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ERU PURCHASE PUTS FRIO DEPUTIES ON THE FRONT LINE OF INCIDENT RESPONSE

In an effort to deliver cutting-edge solutions to public safety, the Frio County Sheriff’s Department has added an emergency response unit to his fleet.
The highly effective tool, according to Chief Deputy Peter Salinas, will provide law enforcement with a centralized location to coordinate and execute their operations in an emergency situation.
In the wake of several events over the past years, including the mass shooting in Uvalde and the stand-off with a woman who took her own life earlier this year the department felt adding the unit was imperative.
“This will allow emergency command leaders to mitigate emergencies in real time as opposed to being miles and precious minutes away,” the chief deputy said.
Purchased with American Rescue Plan monies, the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), a 28-foot trailer, is equipped with three online work stations, audio and visual equipment, a full cargo of crime scene investigation and emergency medial aid supplies.
“The ERU will be available for any number of emergency incidents,” Salinas said. “It will allow for law enforcement to be at the site of an emergency.”
According to Salinas, major incidents generate enormous amounts of data, including information from surveillance cameras and radio traffic. The ERU offers the ability to receive, process and share data on-site.
In the event of a natural disaster that has the potential to effectively destroy communication infrastructure, the multifunctional vehicle can serve as a regional collaboration center.
“We would like to thank our county judge and commissioners for their support and coordination of this purchase,” the chief deputy said. “A special thanks to 911 Emergency Coordinator Ray Kallio for his input on the vehicle specifications.”