The Cranford Police Department recently took possession of a number of military surplus vehicles and other equipment geared towards enhancing the agency’s flood and disaster response capabilities.
The items were obtained through a federal program that repurposes decommissioned military equipment for use by municipal and state agencies. All vehicles and equipment were obtained at no cost to the township, and with the approval of the Cranford Township Committee. Most visibly, the Cranford Police Department has deployed three Humvees, a five ton mobile command post, and two five ton trucks. All are capable of operating in flooded areas and are anticipated to help with rescue, recovery and evacuation efforts in future emergencies such as the massive floods or power outages that accompanied Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy, Tropical Storm Floyd, and other recent storms.
In addition to coordinating field activities and personnel, the mobile command post is able to assume the role of the police communications center in the event the municipal building is damaged or inaccessible, as was the case during Irene. It is fully equipped with radios, telephones, and computer equipment. Each of the vehicles was painted and outfitted at Eastern Surplus and Equipment Company in Philadelphia. In addition to installing safety features and keyed ignition systems, the company installed engine snorkel kits allowing the Humvees to operate in over four feet of water. Police lights and markings were also installed. Additional surplus equipment includes three heavy duty generators, a bulldozer and a five ton dump truck. While the generators can keep vital services operating in a disaster, the bulldozer and dump truck will help avoid unnecessary expenses related to debris removal; in past disasters, the Department of Public Works needed to rent similar equipment at significant cost. Chief James Wozniak believes that his personnel are now better prepared for the next disaster. “The Cranford Police Department has, unfortunately, deployed to more than our fair share of weather related emergencies, rescues and evacuations in the past decade,” he stated. “Now, we have a more complete toolbox, and we can rely less on outside agencies that have their own needs and priorities.” He noted that on multiple occasions, the Cranford Police Department called on the Union County Office of Emergency Management, the National Guard, and surrounding towns to assist in weather related events.