Butler Command Center rolls to NY for Sandy aftermath

Two deputies are driving the Butler County sheriff’s mobile command center to New York so public safety officials can use it to coordinate relief efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Sheriff Richard K. Jones said Monday night that the semitrailer was provided to the county through a federal grant and it’s loaded with the latest technology in communications, including satellite transmissions equipment.

Jones said it has been used locally after severe storms, but this will be the first time the command center will be used out of state.

“When you have these disasters, you need to set up a command center for the first responders to track where the needs are and give orders,” he said.

The deputies are expected to assist other public safety workers from Ohio who responded to the East Coast after the storm hit Oct 29.