Firefighters' mobile alarm receiver enhances speedy response Published Dec. 11, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Vernon J. Cunningham 82nd Training Wing SHEPAPRD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- When a fire alarm goes off on Sheppard Air Force Base, the fire station's Monaco alarm receiver alerts firefighters of a need to take action. A receiving station in the firehouse serves as a communication hub for firefighter activities. The station is equipped with multiple computers and data streams which are used to provide critical information to firefighters responding to an emergency. One system in place is the Monaco alarm receiver. Assistant Fire Chief Mark Vroom said the alarm receiver is used to enhance quick response for fire emergencies. The alarm receiver streams its data to mobile clients, allowing fire chiefs to swiftly deploy to the emergency without having to print charts and data or rely on radio communication to get needed information, Chief Vroom said. "We get an automatic fire alarm on the receiver and it creates an incident," Chief Vroom said. "Then the mobile clients on Chief-1 and Chief-2 will automatically bring up the pre-incident response plan, which tells you all about the building." Chief-1 and Chief-2 are the vehicles used by the chief and assistant chief to coordinate actions, Chief Vroom said. Both vehicles are equipped with an onboard computer that is linked to the Monaco alarm receiver. This gives them access to all of the data they need to respond to a fire. An alarm goes off, the firefighters are notified, and all responders get in their vehicles and go. "I can click on the fire incident and it (displays) the address, building number and a map to the incident," Chief Vroom said. "Once I get on scene I can bring up the pre-incident response plan for the building. (It has information like) whether it has a sprinkler system in it, what kind of detection is in it and if it is windowless. (It also displays) special hazards and some quick data on the building that we would need to help us fight the fire." The system also provides them with a floor plan of the building so they will have a visual indication of different access points, doors, overhead doors, utility locations for gas and electric, access to fire alarm panels and heating and air systems access, Chief Vroom said. The Monaco alarm receiver is one of the tools Sheppard firefighters are using to ensure the fastest, most effective emergency response to its customers. Click here to see Assistant Fire Chief Mark Vroom explain how they power their mobile system while maintaining swift depolyment capability.