Million dollars saved & readiness improved

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Fire and Emergency Services recently strengthened its response capabilities and saved taxpayer money by obtaining a command and communications vehicle through Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services.

The vehicle, reutilized at no cost through DLA's excess property stocks, is an all-in-one unit with a normally hefty price tag that will enable incident commanders to coordinate Southern California operations more effectively by providing a centralized space for communications systems, mapping and planning tools. Camp Pendleton Deputy Fire Chief Peter Korodini said planned upgrades include installing radios, satellite communications, and equipment to print large-scale incident maps.

"We were shopping around, and a trailer of that size and capability is roughly $1.2 to $1.4 million," Korodini said, adding that the department expects to invest between $100,000 to $125,000 to outfit the vehicle for their specific needs.

Korodini said the acquisition represents significant cost savings and improved operational readiness for the department, which provides all-hazards response, including structural and wildland firefighting, hazardous materials response, technical rescue and emergency medical services to both the base and nearby civilian communities and the Cleveland National Forest.

"It's going to be predominantly used for wildland fires," Korodini said. "We get approximately 250-plus wildland fires a year, and five to seven of them are significant fires where we're out there for three, four or five days. … It allows our command staff to work out of a consistent environment, not outside in the elements."

To save additional money, Korodini said firefighters within the department will perform much of the vehicle upgrade work themselves and expect to have the vehicle in service by the end of 2026.

"We have folks that are very well-versed in communications and radio installations," he said. "They live and breathe everything communications."

Korodini said the partnership with DLA Disposition Services has been longstanding and beneficial, with a DLA Disposition Services field office located on board the installation.

"They're right there on the base, literally right down the street from the fire station," Korodini said. "We have a really good relationship. It's a great service and saves us a ton of money."