October 1, 2004
Coachmen RV revs up Purdue's emergency response ability
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – An Indiana-based manufacturer of recreational vehicles has given Purdue University a portable headquarters that would be used in the event of a large-scale emergency on campus.
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The 2005 Cascade travel trailer, given to the university by Middlebury, Ind., Coachmen Recreational Vehicle Co., will be used by Purdue's police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel during emergency situations, such as large fires or natural disasters.
"This is a piece of equipment that we obviously hope we never have to use for its intended purpose," said Carol A. Shelby, Purdue's senior director of environmental health and public safety. "If we do face a large-scale emergency or disaster, thanks to the generosity of Coachmen, we will have equipment that will help us to better protect our students, faculty and staff."
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The 32-foot trailer's base retail price is approximately $23,470, and Shelby said it replaces the university's almost 30-year-old RV that is obsolete. The new trailer is more reliable and will be equipped with modern telecommunications and computer equipment to make operations from within it more effective.
Shelby said the trailer also would be shared with other local police and fire departments if a large-scale emergency were to occur off-campus.
"It is very important that there be a place on site where officers and emergency management personnel can meet as we respond to an emergency," Shelby said. "This will give us a place to evaluate the situation as it evolves and provide us with equipment to stay in contact with our department's headquarters and other departments or organizations that may be involved."
The trailer will be outfitted like Coachmen's commercial RVs, with a few exceptions. One area has been equipped with tables and chairs to serve as a meeting place for commanding officers, and Purdue is installing computers, radios and other communication equipment where a bed normally would be.
In addition, Coachmen added an extra 13,500 BTU roof air conditioner, installed several additional electrical outlets and increased the electrical power from a 30-amp to 50-amp service. Increasing the communications capabilities of the RV are a cable television jack and rooftop television antenna.
The trailer also includes a restroom, shower, kitchenette and meeting space.
"Coachmen has always believed in supporting our communities and is thrilled that a Coachmen Travel Trailer can support efforts to make one of our communities a better place," said Michael R. Terlep, president of Coachmen Recreational Vehicle Co. "Purdue University's public safety team is committed to the safety of the entire Purdue community, and this mobile command center gives them a valuable safety tool to handle emergency situations effectively. We're very proud and honored to have this opportunity to help Purdue in their ongoing efforts to keep students, families, fans and the greater Lafayette area safe."
In addition to emergencies, the university also will use the trailer outside of Ross-Ade Stadium during home football games to provide a staging area for more than 270 police officers, medical workers and other emergency service personnel who work in and around the stadium during games. The facility will provide a place where workers can rest, eat or drink, and cool down or warm up.
"Many of these people never get inside the stadium or see any of the football game," Shelby said. "They are working very hard to ensure fans can have a fun, safe experience, and this will give them an opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh themselves throughout the day."
The trailer also will be available for use at all men's and women's basketball games, concerts, and other campus activities.
Shelby's Office of Environmental Health and Public Safety is responsible for all aspects of campus safety programs. It oversees the Purdue Fire Department, Purdue Police Department, Fire Protection and Special Services, Parking Facilities, and Radiological and Environmental Management.
Coachmen's gift is part of the Campaign for Purdue, announced in the fall of 2002, which has raised more than $947 million to support efforts to increase student scholarships; recruit and retain faculty; fund programs, centers, and facilities; and purchase equipment.
Coachmen Recreational Vehicle LLC markets travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and Class A and Class C motor homes. A subsidiary of Elkhart, Ind.,-based Coachmen Industries Inc. Coachmen RV was founded in 1964 in Middlebury, Ind., where its headquarters and largest manufacturing facility are located. A manufacturing site also is located in Fitzgerald, Ga.
Coachmen Industries Inc., now celebrating its 40th anniversary, is one of America's leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles with well-known brand names including Coachmen, Georgie Boy, Sportscoach and Viking. The company's subsidiary, All-American Homes, is the nation's largest producer of systems-built modular homes.
Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu
Sources: Carol Shelby, (765) 494-7504, cshelby@purdue.edu
Rich Allen, Coachmen Industries Inc. corporate communications, (574) 262-0123, rallen@coachmen.com
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Purdue's Emergency Command Center Unit will be is available for journalists to tour and photograph by contacting Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu, or Carol Shelby, (765) 494-7504, cshelby@purdue.edu.
Related Web site:
Purdue University
PHOTO CAPTION:
Purdue Fire Department Deputy Chief Kevin Ply and Carol Shelby, Purdue's senior director for environmental health and public safety, examine the university's new mobile command center. The 32-foot trailer, a gift from Coachmen Recreational Vehicle Co., can be used as a mobile headquarters for police, fire and other workers in the case of a large-scale emergency on campus. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
A publication-quality photograph is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2004/coachmen-gift.jpg
PHOTO CAPTION:
Ken Alling, Purdue Fire Department chief, and John Cox, Purdue Police Department captain of special services, discuss additional equipment that will be added to trailer. In addition to the standard features, including a restroom, shower and kitchen facilities, the trailer will include computer and telecommunication equipment. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
A publication-quality photograph is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2004/coachmen-gift2.jpg
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