Naples, Fla. -- CAP members from the Marco Island and Naples Squadrons were conducted on an extensive 2-hour tour of the newly opened Collier County Emergency Management Center (EMC). Arranged by Dan Summers, the EMC manager and his staff, members were met at 7 pm in the lobby of the EMC by CAP Major Jim VonRinteln, the County Emergency Management Coordinator.
The EMC is a 4-story 111,000 sq ft building, constructed for Category 5 hurricane resistance, is self-contained for continuous operation. It includes redundant telephone, satellite and radio communications, with 100% back-up electric power provide by two 2.5 Megawatt diesel electric generator sets. It is believed to be one of, if not the most, state-of-the art facility of its type in the nation.
Occupancy is provided for
- Sheriff’s office and Communication Center with 9-1-1 dispatch facility,
- East Naples Sheriff’s Sub-Station
- Emergency Operations Center
- Emergency Management Department offices
- Emergency Medical Services administrative offices
The tour, led and narrated by Jim VonRinteln, was an extremely interesting 2-hour experience enjoyed by all. Everyone – seniors and cadets alike – were especially impressed by the Emergency Operations Center, the 911 Center, the redundant and extensive communication system with the antenna arrays, and the 100% power backup system using the two 2.5 MW diesel generators. Jim thoroughly explained the Category 5 hurricane construction, the self-contained continuous operation capability, and the various functional offices that complete the Center.
A total of 28 persons were listed on the tour’s sign-in sheet, with the breakout consisting of 15 Marco Senior Members plus 5 Marco Cadets and 8 Naples Senior Members.
LtCol Lee Henderson, Marco Island CAP Squadron Commander expressed the opinion everyone felt: “We all are very proud to be living in a community that cares so much for their residents to design, build and man such a state-of-the art facility.”
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