Berkeley County unveils $1.25 million mobile command unit for emergencies

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office has introduced a new mobile command unit valued at $1.25 million, designed to improve response to major emergencies, manhunts, and natural disasters, according to Live 5 WCSC.

This new vehicle replaces a 20-year-old unit and includes advanced technology such as terrain mapping monitors, deputy tracking systems, drone capabilities, and communication tools that connect multiple responding agencies, Live 5 WCSC reported.

Sheriff Duane Lewis noted the new unit allows commanders to monitor deputies’ locations in real time, coordinate search perimeters more efficiently, and integrate resources from state and federal agencies, enhancing safety and operational effectiveness during incidents.

The unit also provides space for dispatchers to operate directly from the scene, reducing radio congestion and improving information flow between personnel, as stated by Live 5 WCSC.

WCBD Count on 2 added that the mobile command unit was funded through $1.25 million in state funding allocated in July 2024 and represents a significant investment in emergency preparedness and public safety for Berkeley County.

The new unit’s ability to stream live drone footage directly to command personnel and facilitate collaboration among dispatchers, deputies, and partner agencies is expected to improve situational awareness and decision-making during critical incidents, WCBD reported.