SWS1

Just prior to Christmas, the New Canaan CT Police Department took delivery of a 2008 Ford Explorer XLT, which replaces an existing Crown Victoria patrol vehicle. Car 5 is the first of three patrol vehicles Specialty Warning Systems will be providing the NCPD this year. The warning system is an all LED Whelen system with a fully loaded Liberty SX lightbar, two red/blue 400 Super LEDs in the grille, four head Dominator in the upper center of the rear cargo window and four HideAway LEDs in the rear taillights. One of two switches in the rear compartment disables the Dominator whenever the vehicle is to be used as a scene command post. This same switch simultaneously activates the two TIR3s mounted low in the cargo compartment, to afford supplemental rear warning when the Dominator has been deactivated and the cargo door raised. A Sound Off Signal solid state headlight flasher, single 100 watt siren speaker and CenCom Gold complete the warning system. The center console is a Havis-Shields Vehicle Specific model, with dual cup holders, two 12V power outlets, side mounted armrest, CenCom control head and department radio. As new laptop computers are to be installed in the near future, an AOI airbag option was installed during the conversion, to allow for manual deactivation of the passenger front airbag. The custom rear cargo command cabinet incorporates a large upper storage compartment for first responder equipment including O2 kit, AED and trauma box. This same compartment also features a self latching drawer for smaller scene management and command post supplies. The lower drawer is designed as a security drawer with high density foam insert for equipment specific containment and heavy duty, high security Simplex pushbutton lock. The custom graphics package mirrors existing patrol vehicles in a format recently adopted by the NCPD. A new addition to the reflective lettering, striping and graphics layout, was the "nightstripe" safety chevron applied to the rear bumper. Safety chevrons have seen a significant increase within the fire and EMS services in recent years (primarily due to the efforts of the NFPA) but are still less common in Law Enforcement. The vehicle committee and administration of the NCPD display a very proactive position toward officer and vehicle safety by incorporating the chevron into this and upcoming vehicles. The staff at Specialty Warning Systems wishes to extend it's appreciation to the New Canaan Police Department for their confidence in us to provide this year's conversions and look forward to working with them in the years to come on many other projects.

The North Salem NY Police Department has just taken delivery of their new patrol / command vehicle, a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, equipped with the police package from Chevrolet. As with many of the vehicles under conversion today, 7K359 was designed to fulfill two distinct functions…….the first as a daily patrol vehicle, and secondarily for scene management. The audible and visual warning system is virtually 100% Whelen and is primarily LED based. The lightbar is a fully loaded 55" Freedom FX, two 700 Super LEDs were installed in the lower front grille while a six head Dominator was mounted in the upper front grille. Super Mirror Beams were installed on both side mirrors while, in the rear, two split (red/blue) 400 Super LEDs, a second six head Dominator and four HideAway LED in the taillights, provide lighting protection. The integral Freedom bar Traffic Advisor was also incorporated to provide traffic direction. Inside the cargo compartment, two TIR3 LEDs were installed on the lower outer corners of the space, controlled by a dual function switch that, simultaneously deactivates the Dominator while enabling the TIR3s. This eliminates any distraction caused by the Dominator while providing additional rear facing warning when the cargo door is raised during scene operations. A single 100 watt siren speaker, SLSA6 controller and solid state headlight flasher complete the warning system The center console is a 24 inch Havis-Shields, with dual cup holders, two 12V power outlets, map light, dual switch plate for Traffic Advisor control, digital scanner, department radio, Whelen A6 and six inch storage compartment. A unique addition to the console was a Pentax computer printer integrated into the padded (swing away) armrest. The printer works in conjunction with the Data 911 computer along with a hand held bar code style scanner that reads license information, automatically entering all operator information (onto the infraction), which is then printed by the Pentax in the armrest The custom rear cargo command cabinet incorporates upper storage compartments for first responder equipment including O2 kit, AED and trauma box. The mid level drawer is designed for hanging files folders while the right side compartment is used for bulk storage. The lower level drawer is a full width scene management whiteboard that locks at an angle for use with supply storage underneath. The whiteboard includes a clear overlay for school plans, town maps, scene diagrams etc. This allows for on scene marking without permanent marking on the original. The custom reflective graphics package duplicates all other NSPD patrol vehicles. Specialty Warning Systems wishes to thank Chief Tom Howley and the North Salem PD for their continued confidence in us to provide all their vehicle conversions and looks forward to a long working relationship with them.

The Beekman NY Fire District, in Dutchess County, took delivery of their new Chevy Express van recently. 3468 will function as a transport, utility and support vehicle. The warning system is Whelen LED based, including a 55 inch Freedom FX Super LED lightbar with alley and takedown lights, two red 500 series LIN6 LEDs in the front grille and eight head linear LED Traffic Advisor installed above the rear cargo doors. A Whelen 295SLSA6 controller with single 100 watt siren speaker completes the overall system. The front console is an 18 inch Havis-Shields that's extended in height to accommodate the van application. It contains the department radio, Whelen controller, Traffic Advisor control head and nine inch storage compartment. A full reflective graphics package, including redesigned department seal, finishes the exterior. Specialty Warning Systems would like to thank the Beekman Fire District for their confidence in us and we look forward to working with them again in the future on other projects.

We generally blank out the plates as a courtesy to the particular agency. Usually I'm very conscious of doing this, but as several posters have brought to my attention, I missed on this one. My apologies to the Beekman Boys.....just makes me want to monitor myself that much more. We very much appreciate the positive feedback and compliments we seem to get on the forums......we maintain a small operation specifically to preserve the agency specific attention that we feel is vitally important, more so today than ever before. During our "fact finding" prior to commencing operations, the lack of attention to detail and pride in the finished product stuck out as one of the more prevalant flaws in many vehicle conversions being done today. We deemed this to be one of our foremost priorities and have tried to maintain, and improve this commitment since then. We hope we have met our goal for each and every vehicle that leaves our doors. To this end, we monitor these forums very closely to make sure we're meeting our responsibilities, and we encourage the feedback, good or bad. Thanks again for the ongoing support from all three NYS counties and back here in CT. As an FYI to all........we're now a Streamlight and Mag Lite dealer and are in the final stages of receiving our certification as a Mag Lite factory repair center........we're hoping to achieve the same for Streamlight in the very near future. In the interim, we maintain a significant stock of repair parts for both lines and would be happy to quote any upcoming purchases. SWS1

The New Fairfield (CT) Volunteer Fire Department recently took delivery of their new "Car 1", a 2008 Ford Expedition. As with many of the new Command vehicles we've built here in CT and in NY, the NFVFD had a multitude of requirements that needed to be met with this one vehicle. The warning system is primarily Whelen LED based, including a (red, white & blue) Freedom FX lightbar with alley and takedown lights, four LIN4s in the front grille, a LIN4 at each outer corner for side protection and two more LIN4s on the rear cargo door for additional rear coverage. A six head Dominator inside the rear cargo door, HideAway LEDs in the taillight housings, eight head linear LED Traffic Advisor and headlight flasher complete the warning system. As the rear is to be used as a command post, a cutoff switch disables the rear Dominator while simultaneously activating two additional LIN4s installed at cargo floor level. This eliminates the Dominator from interfering with command functions while working at the back of the vehicle, replacing it with the two LIN4s, installed low and outside so as not to be in the IC's line of sight. A Whelen CenCom system with single 100 watt siren speaker complete the overall system. The front console is a 30" Havis-Shields that contains the three required department radios, CenCom control head, dual power outlets, cup holders, side mount armrest and nine inch storage compartment. The rear command cabinet is a full custom cabinet designed and built specific to New Fairfield's requirements. It incorporates open storage for turnout gear, hand tools and SCBA. Upper and middle compartments provide for stowage of first responder supplies, extinguisher, TI camera, pre plans and scene management supplies. The lower command drawer has a full width marking whiteboard with clear overlay for maps, school plans, pre plans etc. As the command board is hinged at the rear, this allows for storage of administrative supplies in a compartment under the board. Two Whelen Super LED compartment lights were installed on the inside face of the cargo door to provide general workspace lighting at the rear of the truck. A shoreline was also installed to provide 110V power inside the vehicle when needed. A custom reflective and gold leaf graphics package finishes the exterior of the vehicle. In addition to the white reflective striping and gold leaf lettering, the department patch was duplicated for the rear side windows with a 9/11 remembrance on the front fenders. Specialty Warning Systems wishes to thank the New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department for the opportunity to provide their replacement command vehicle and we look forward to additional joint projects with them in the future.

The Newtown (CT) Police Department, recently took delivery of a 2008 Dodge Charger, an unmarked Traffic Enforcement Unit. In conjunction with a second officer on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, the NPD is focusing on strict enforcement of existing traffic and quality of life laws. The primary requirement was a discreet vehicle but highly visible when needed for vehicle stops, emergency response and officer safety. To meet this requirement Specialty Warning Systems incorporated an all Whelen LED package including front & rear Inner Edge interior lightbars, four red/blue LIN4s in the front grill and two round TIR6 LEDs in the lower fog light positions. Red & blue Inner Beams at the lower corners of the front windshield afford additional angled lighting to both sides. Two TIR3 LEDs in each rear side window provide side lighting while two more red/blue LIN4s mounted on either side of the license plate and two white HideAway LEDs in the backup light housings supplement the rear facing lighting. The OEM headlight and taillight flashers were also utilized in the overall system. A Havis-Shields Charger console contains the department radio, Whelen SLSA6 system controller, dual power outlets, cup holder, storage box and side mount armrest. A Panasonic Toughbooks laptop and Mag Lite handlight are mounted externally on the console. Rear electronics utilize a Havis fold up trunk tray to retain as much of the available trunk space as possible. Early reports indicate the vehicle has been highly successful in its goal and has garnered a great deal of interest and positive feedback from the public, other motorists and it's (unfortunate) targets. Specialty Warning Systems wishes to extend it's appreciation to the Newtown Police Department for it's continued confidence in us to provide all required installation and repair services. Click the link below to view a video of the new Charger on YouTube.

The South Salem Volunteer Fire Department, in Westchester County New York, has just taken delivery of their new Chief's car 2451, a 2008 Dodge Durango SLT. The SSVFD chose an all LED lighting system by Whelen that includes a Liberty lightbar, four LIN6 LEDs in the grille, a red / white TIR6 at each outer corner and an eight head Dominator in the rear cargo window. A headlight flasher and rear taillight / brakelight flasher complete the lighting system. The overall system control is by way of a 295SLSA6 with a 100 watt siren speaker. The Havis-Shields console replaces the stock unit and contains the Whelen system controller, W.C. trunk radio, the department's low band and high band radios, dual cup holder, 12V power outlet, map light, rechargeable Mag Lite and storage box that utilizes the OEM armrest, transferred from the stock console. The rear Command / Storage cabinet was custom built to South Salem's specs, incorporating a command drawer with white marking board and clear overlay with storage under the board for I.C. supplies, EMS equipment and scene management supplies. The adjustable shelving on the right side of the cabinet allows for a wide variety of storage solutions while the open left side provides storage for turnout gear. Two portable radio chargers, a Streamlight handlight and the rear head for the County trunk radio are all mounted on the cabinet to streamline scene command functions. The depth of the cabinet was set specifically to provide sufficient space for the installation of an SCBA, a set of irons (contained in a Pac Mount "Ironslok") and a set of bolt cutters (also captured by Pac Mount tool holders) on the front face of the cabinet. A pair of Whelen Super LED compartment lights, mounted on the interior face of the cargo door, supplies general workspace lighting at night, while two dual halogen floodlights under the rear of the truck provide additional lighting while the truck is in reverse. The custom graphics package includes gold leaf lettering and front door maltese crosses, with a white reflective stripe down both sides of the truck. It also includes a white reflective safety chevron applied to the rear bumper. Specialty Warning Systems wants to thank the South Salem FD and their Commissioners for their continued confidence in us to provide their specialty vehicles. This is our second vehicle for the SSVFD as Utility 79, a 2008 Ford F350 Super Duty, was delivered in December of last year. We look forward to working on additional projects with them in the near future.

Actually Jet, the second row seating all remains intact.......while we were working with the FD committee on the cabinet specs, one of the goals was to provide tool storage, but to also maintain full seating capability. The photos we posted just show the equipment storage with the seats folded down....(for photo clarity) SWS1

Westchester E.M.S., based in Mount Kisco New York, recently took delivery of their new 4011, a 2008 Ford Expedition SSV medic fly car. This is our fifth vehicle for WEMS and we are proud to be associated with the proactive and (very) safety conscious managers of this organization. The lighting package is 100% LED based, incorporating a 55" Whelen Freedom lightbar with alley & takedown lights, eight head Dominator above the rear cargo door, split red/white 400 Super series heads on the front corners, red/blue Predator IIs in the rear side cargo windows and four HideAway LEDs in the rear taillights. Two red/white 400 Supers are mounted on the Go Rhino pushbumper facing forward while two red/white TIR6 heads are mounted at opposing 45 degree angles inside the uprights to provide additional intersection protection. Two red/white TIR6s were installed on the outside of the rear cargo door while two four head Dominators, activated when the cargo door is raised, provide additional rear facing warning protection. A headlight flasher and Whelen dual siren system complete the warning package. A Go Light Stryker, remote controlled 500,000 CP spotlight was installed on the roof, providing 370 degrees of rotation and 135 degrees of tilt, for night lighting. WEMS has installed pushbumpers on all their fly cars for several years for added front end protection, which have proven to be very valuable additions in the past. They also provide an excellent mounting solution to the variety of warning components and the quick connect jump start system receptacle. The center console is a 30" Havis-Shields that contains the WEMS radios, a county trunk radio, 9" storage box, dual power outlets, side mounted armrest, Whelen control head, dual cup holders and the color LCD display for the rearview camera. For added backing visibility and safety, two of the four halogen floods installed under the rear of the truck, are configured to come on with the camera, as is a backup alarm. The custom rear cabinetry fills the rear of the truck, extending into the second row seating, providing sufficient storage space for a full compliment of ALS and BLS gear, longboards, fire extinguisher, gloves and Mag Lite rechargeable handlight. A Pro Gard cargo barrier was installed to provide containment of the rear equipment in the event of a sudden stop or collision. For added storage, two compartments with top mounted access doors are located inside the passenger side rear door. A custom support frame was fabricated to secure the front of the cabinet while creating a mounting location for radio chassis', Kussmaul battery conditioner, siren amplifiers and electronics. Four Super LED compartment lights were installed in the rear of the truck to provide general lighting for equipment checks and nighttime operations. The remaining two halogen floodlights were also incorporated here to provide additional ground lighting to the rear of the vehicle. WEMS incorporated two new safety features into 4011 to better protect their personnel and the public at large. A Safety Vision rearview video system with color camera, night vision, rear audio and (front mounted) color LCD display, afford the operator a clear field of vision of the rear whenever the vehicle is placed in reverse. An addition to the reflective graphics package was the safety chevron that spans the entire rear cargo door onto the bumper providing much improved visibility, particularly at night. Many agencies are exploring the use of the chevron, generally on a smaller scale, but WEMS opted to cover the entire rear of their vehicle, to maximize the visibility from greater distances and wider angles. Specialty Warning Systems wishes to extend their appreciation to Westchester EMS and their management staff for their continuing confidence in us to provide their fly cars. It makes our job much easier knowing they are committed to the safety of their employees and the public at large. We look forward to developing an even stronger working relationship with them in the years to come, exploring the many possibilities that continue to evolve in emergency vehicles.

WAS967...... We appreciate all the feedback we see on the forums from everyone........nice to know our efforts meet the functional and aesthetic goals we set for ourselves.......... ........just a note on the Kussmaul receptacle.....the depth of the Auto Eject eliminates it's installation in the passenger (or driver) rear.....the passenger side has the fuel fill and fuel shutoff systems, and the driver side has all the electronics / blower etc for the A/C - heat. The interior trim also presents a problem due to the available space between the outer body and the inside face of the trim panels. Everything is getting tighter and tighter these days. We opt for the driver side front as the operator has a better chance of noticing the shoreline is still plugged in should there be a failure of the Auto Eject (which with Kussmaul, is very rare).....but.....better safe than out of a shoreline. Thanks again for all the comments......we watch them closely and use them in our planning. SWS1

We did inded build 4011.........full photo spread and info on the car coming on Sunday. WEMS is a very proactive orginization and should be applauded for their commitment to safety and functionality. Looking forward to the feedback on their new car. Specialty Warning Systems Danbury, CT

The New Hackensack Fire District, located in Wappingers Falls in Dutchess County New York, just took delivery of their new Car 52-1, a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, for Chief Rocco DiMase. Planning for the vehicle began in February and continued on an ongoing basis, up to the day of delivery. As New Hackensack encompasses a combination of residential, commercial and educational occupancies, as well as the Dutchess County Airport, providing all fire rescue and first responder services, the vehicle needed to fulfill a multitude of requirements. The warning system incorporates a 55 inch Whelen FX Super LED lightbar, rear TIR6 Traffic Advisor, grille mounted 700 Super LEDs, red/white 400 Super LEDs on the rear cargo door, LED Mirror Beams, four HideAway LEDs in the rear taillights and headlight flasher. Two Strip Lite LEDs were installed in the face of the rear cargo door to provide additional warning to the rear of the vehicle when the door is raised. The two 100 watt siren speakers and overall system control are by way of a Whelen CenCom Gold. The custom Command / Storage cabinet was designed to meet both first responder and incident management requirements. It incorporates a hanging file drawer for pre plans and building info, an SCBA bracket, storage for turnout gear, compartments for EMS equipment, extinguisher, hand tools etc. The lower command drawer contains storage space for administrative supplies and a laptop computer, with a hinged marking white board that's covered in a removable clear overlay. This combination affords the IC a great deal of mobile scene management capability. Two Whelen Super LED compartment lights, installed on the face of the cargo door, operate in conjunction with the rear halogen floods to provide general area lighting for night operations. Department radio, portable charger and handlights are all installed on top of the cabinet for ease of access. The original center console was removed, replaced by a 24 inch Havis-Shields Consolidator which contains the CenCom control head, department radio, scanner, dual power outlets, cup holders, side mounted armrest, map light, storage compartment and Streamlight SL20X flashlight with charging mount. The OEM rear HVAC control head was also relocated from the stock console into the Havis, mounted in a custom bracket. The custom two tone paint job duplicates the other NHFD command vehicles, with a gold leaf and reflective graphics package completing the vehicle's exterior. SPECIALTY WARNING SYSTEMS WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE NEW HACKENSACK FIRE DISTRICT FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE THEIR NEW 52-1. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THEM AGAIN ON FUTURE PROJECTS. © 2008 All Photos Submitted By, And The Property Of, Specialty Warning Systems, Danbury CT

This will be our first post under the new EMTBravo format.........We're hoping everything comes out as it should, but bear with us.....like everything else, excellence comes with commitment and practice. We have more new deliveries to submit and would appreciate feedback from more experienced users as to how to improve each posting. Anyway............. Union Hook & Ladder in Mount Kisco New York, recently took delivery of their new Chief's car 2281, a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. Committee members invested many months into the planning of 2281 to achieve their goal of a vehicle capable of fulfilling multiple first responder and incident command responsibilities. The Whelen lighting system is comprised of a 55 inch Freedom WeCan programmable LED lightbar, 700 series Super LEDs in the grille, TIR6 series LEDs on each outer corner, two TIR3 Super LEDs mounted on the outside of the rear cargo door and an eight head Dominator mounted in the upper rear cargo window. Two additional TIR3s and two Strip Lite LEDs were installed inside the cargo compartment to provide supplemental lighting when the door is raised. A 295SLSA6 controller with two 100 watt siren speakers, a brakelight/taillight flasher and headlight flasher, complete the warning system. Two dual halogen floodlights mounted under the rear of the truck work in conjunction with the OEM reverse lights and a night operations circuit to provide supplemental ground lighting. Two Whelen LED compartment lights were also added to the inside face of the cargo door to provide command cabinet area lighting. The rear command cabinet is custom built to the FDs specs and contains storage for EMS, incident command and firefighting supplies, a hanging file drawer, and a flip up IC board with a clear overaly. This clear sheet allows for maps, pre plans or scene management materials to be placed under a dry erase surface, for ongoing informational updates. The Westchester County trunk radio, two department radios, dual power outlets, handlight and SCBA bracket were all installed at this rear position to simplify command operations and consolidate all necessary components in one location. The front of the cabinet was used as a centralized mounting location for all vehicle & communications electronics. A 24 inch Havis-Shields console incorporates the Whelen A6 control head, County and FD radios, two side mount armrests, power outlets, cup holder and storage compartment while a custom reflective graphics package completes the outside of the Suburban. SPECIALTY WARNING SYSTEMS EXTENDS IT'S THANKS TO THE MEMBERS OF UNION HOOK & LADDER FOR THEIR CONFIDENCE IN US TO PROVIDE THEIR NEWEST COMMAND VEHICLE AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THEM AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. (all photos submitted by, and the property of, Specialty Warning Systems LLC - Danbury, CT)

We appreciate all the comments and positive feedback that we've received in the forums on the various vehicles that have been completed over the past year or two. From day one, over six years ago, we've tried to take a very proactive yet common sense approach to every one we build and depend on the feedback (both good and bad) that we receive to build upon our ability and philosophy. Thanks to all.......... Specialty Warning Systems Danbury, CT