Walnut Ridge - Lawrence County emergency service workers like sheriff's deputies and disaster coordinators won't have to leave their command post to get some rest or nourishment.

For more than a year, officials have been assembling a mobile command center, and it's nearly finished. The 35-foot trailer acquired from FEMA (web | news) has state of the art communications equipment and some other important equipment -- like bunk beds, a shower and cooking facilities for those manning it.

Steve Jones, the county's emergency management director, said the job of equipping the trailer is almost complete. He said that, if the county had a disaster today, it could be put to good use. Sheriff Dan Ellison said the command center has the capacity to use cell phones, state radio channels and satellite communications, and also includes a weather station, cameras and other equipment.

 Email To Friend