ODYSSEY OF WHARTON NJ IS BUILDING  80 NEW RESPONSE UNITS FOR FDNY IN NEW YORK CITY
Odyssey of Wharton, NJ is celebrating their 30th year in business, a recent expansion to 33,000 sq. ft. and is proud to be building 80 new response units for the FDNY.  In September the car carriers started rolling in with red GMC pickup trucks.  Half of the trucks will be utilized for Battalion Command and half for EMS response.  Each truck will be outfitted with a high quality fiberglass cap, custom mission specific pull out unit in the rear, lights, sirens and communications equipment for responding to emergency in the country’s largest city, The Big Apple.  The first group was recently delivered to the city for installation of special communications equipment.  Odyssey will be building 5 units per week until all of the trucks are completed.  Odyssey has been interested in this project for almost 25 years.  Teaming up with Beyer Bros GMC of Fairview New Jersey has made the dream possible.  Together they will supply the FDNY with  new response units showing consistency, attention to detail, and service the FDNY expects from their vendors.
FDNY used diesel powered Suburbans for many years, until in 1999 GM discontinued the diesel SUV.  Switching to the Ford Excursion diesel was the only alternative, then Ford discontinued the Excursion in 2005.  FDNY decided the pickup would be a good candidate to be outfitted for the emergency services which would be consistent for many years to come. 
The pickup has been America's work horse since Henry Ford's Model T and has continued to be one of the most popular utility vehicles on the road today.  SUV's are primarily designed for the retail market used by families, sportsmen and the RV industry.  An SUV can carry up to eight people and offers fold down seats for luggage or sporting gear.  As an industry pioneer since 1979, Odyssey has converted SUV’s for the emergency services.  Removing the rear seat leaves space for three to five passengers Odyssey manufactures special rear cabinetry, to fit this space which holds mission specific equipment for quick access when responding to an emergency.  There are many regulations for fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars addressing occupant safety and equipment storage but none relating to the SUV conversion for  the emergency services.  Odyssey assures that every conversion meets standards they feel would apply, and ensures every vehicle is manufactured to the highest standard enabling Odyssey to send trucks across the United States and internationally.   
Pickup trucks have been used as an inexpensive alternate vehicle to SUV’s which has evolved similar to the SUV.  Today’s pickup is efficient, strong, built to withstand many years and miles of service in the construction and utility markets.  Converting a pick up for use in the emergency services requires the same consistency, and guidelines that Odyssey has provided for many years.  Depending on the specific mission and equipment accessibility, a flat weatherproof cover, raised bed cover, or even a utility insert can be used to protect the equipment in the rear bed from the elements.  Unlike an SUV where the equipment is stored in the same compartment as the passengers, you can store gas cans and other materials that would have created fumes unsafe to the vehicle's occupants.  Odyssey offers slide out units that extend 75%, 100%, or 120% with fixed or adjustable shelves, and command, EMS or tactical cabinet systems on the rear.  These custom slide out units can carry generators, lighting and a myriad of other equipment for quick access and deployment. Include the side lift up windows or doors on the bed cap, and you can access lighter equipment without having to pull out the entire unit which can, when fully loaded weigh up to 2,000 pounds making it difficult to access when not on level ground. 
When using an extended or 4 door cab Odyssey can make use of the area behind the seats with special cabinetry for more sensitive equipment.  This is also a good area for tactical equipment when used by law enforcement agencies.
By using a pick up style vehicle without the rear bed, Odyssey offers a custom steel, fiberglass or aluminum utility body enabling access to equipment utilizing exterior compartments not requiring a whole body pull out unit in the rear.  This can also enable the body to be transferred to a new cab and chassis if required. 
Many departments around the country are putting these specialty response units into service and always looking at other agencies to see what works best for them.  As always, custom vehicle conversions are a "Work in Progress" that Odyssey has specialized in for over 30 years.  Creativity and experience over time working with many of the emergency services, Odyssey can, does and has provided the best product to meet the agency’s specific missions

One of the most impressive aspects of Odyssey is to see the variety of interiors they produce. These are not just one-size-fits-all vans or modular type trucks, but they are also pickup trucks and SUVs, as well as trailers with custom interiors. Whether a mall agency utilizing a single evidence technician, or a major agency with the need to specify a large unit, Odyssey has the capabilities to handle just about any assignment.

Apantec LLC in Pennsylvania was looking for a company to customize two vans for a contract with the South Korea Government for two W.A.R.N. (Wide Area Radiation Network) laboratories for their nuclear power plants. Testing and monitoring radiation and air conditions are extremely important at these facilities so the challenge was brought to Odyssey to supply two American made vans meeting the customer’s requirements and covered by a factory warranty in South Korea. Odyssey obtained two Chevy 3500 extended length cargo vans, sent them to Quigley of Pennsylvania to be converted to 4 wheel drive and worked closely with the engineers at Apantec and their end user’s from South Korea to manufacture vehicles that would meet everyone’s expectations and mission.

Over six feet of head room was achieved by using a 32” fiberglass top and working closely with Apantec the interior was custom designed to facilitate their air monitoring and radiation detection equipment which would be installed by Apantec after the conversion was completed. Power was supplied by a built in 7,000 watt generator with a shore power connection and a 2,000 watt inverter for back up power. Odyssey’s international experience was called on when some of the equipment can operate on 120 volt American power and other equipment required special South Korean connections to supply 220 volt power for their specialized equipment which would be added on location.

Another very important requirement was the van could not exceed a specific height ruling out the traditional RV style roof mounted air conditioner. Further complicating the conversion was a HEPA filter that must be included on the supply end of the system so contaminated outside air could be filtered before entering the cabin where the technicians would be working. This was accomplished by using a special air conditoner installed over the driver’s compartment under the fiberglass top, adding vents for fresh air intake and stale air exhaust and then passing through a replaceable HEPA filter accessible from the interior to assure clean air.

Still bound by a height requirement one piece of Apantec’s equipment required it to store below roof line and raise four feet above what was needed. This was acomplished by installing a pneumatic mast on the left rear door with controls at the interior work station. The challenge was to keep the equipment below the roof line, enable it to extend above the roof, mounted to an opening rear door and protecting the pneumatic lines and wiring. Odyssey welcomes these types of challenges and encourage all customers to challenge them to work it out. Some have called the Odyssey operation as the “Monster Garage of Emergency Vehicles”

Odyssey is proud to serve, Apantec and South Korea empowering their readiness for emergencies and preventative systems.

Tactical deployment is a tough job that requires special equipment and the ability to carry specially trained personnel to the scene. Odyssey Emergency Vehicles in Wharton, New Jersey has been providing law enforcement agencies a variety of these vehicles since 1979. A major concern is that the vehicle is covert and does not stand out as a target or billboard while traveling to the scene. Stealth and strength were in mind using a Ford cutaway chassis with a standard utility body converted for SWAT and tactical deployment. This particular body offers a large interior area and exterior compartments for tactical equipment, supplies and breaching equipment.
The interior is fully insulated and lined with an acoustical material and there is a rear heat and air conditioning system to keep the rear interior comfortable during any weather condition. For seating there are full depth bench seats covered in a durable Dupont Cordura fabric over high density foam which will accommodate a squad of 12 and store gear under the benches and  above the benches on shelving including a small weapons locker. There is also an area to secure ballistic shields so they are ready when existing the vehicle. For the operation of laptops or communicatons equipment Odyssey installed a 1,000 watt inverter to supply 120 volt power from a heavy duty auxilary battery system. Odyssey installed the latest covert LED emergency lighting behind the grille, front windshield, side upper body windows and behind rear door glass.  

Tactical Deployment is a tough job that requires State-of-the-Art equipment.  Odyssey built such a vehicle combo for a federal agency for deployment, SWAT and mission support.  Due to operations in higher elevations the agency chose a 2008 Dodge 5500 with a Cummins Diesel and  a 4X4 chassis with a custom utility body resembling a commercial vehicle for covert operations.  Stealth and strength were in mind when this heavy duty utility truck and trailer were equipped.  The rear body of the truck is insulated and has separate air conditioning and heat and can seat 12 fully suited tactical personnel with gear ready to go. Odyssey built bench seating with lift up seats for storage and added drop down locking doors on the side wall shelves of the body for  weapons and sensitive equipment storage.  They won’t see them coming but when they arrive their presence will be more than noticed. Odyssey installed the latest LED emergency lighting from Whelen including behind the glass covert LED emergency lights, grill lights, front strobes, rear strobes and a siren with light controller. 
The trailer is equipped with a generator on the front tongue which can be remotely started from the interior panel that controls command and lighting functions as well.  An inverter provides  AC power for electronic equipment, communications and computers. The rear of the trailer was specially designed with heavy duty aluminum fold down shelves with dropdown quick release cargo nets to keep all equipment all in place during transport.  The shelves are split into front and rear sections separated by aircraft tie down track.  When transporting large equipment the vertical suports can be removed and stored and a section or all of the shelves can be latched against the wall and tall equipennt can be secured and strapped to the walls.  During a long deployment the shelves can be secured and the center of the trailer used for meetings or as a rehab area.

New Orleans Emergency Management Agency is taking delivery of this new Reeves EMS Incident Command Post trailer unit as the 2008 Hurricane season starts.  Odyssey assisted in completing prototype work on the trailer as well as helping to design custom rear cabinet configurations Reeves and DHS can offer their customers of the new trailer. 
This innovative low profile system carries a built in generator and fuel system in the front compartment, slide out tray for one of many shelters, storage for additional equipment or an onboard air conditioning system for the shelter attached to the rear command section.  The shelter can be deployed and attached to the trailer leaving the rear section accessible from inside the shelter while leaving the storage, power and fuel bays outside the trailer.  The outcome is a small, light trailer with good ground clearance which can be towed by a small SUV.  Odyssey brings to the table 30 years of innovative experience for DHS to offer the trailer in many configurations while still being able to meet the military and private sector demand.

Tucked away under Cuba and 90 miles NW of Grand Cayman is a small island called Little Cayman.  A small island of only 150 permanent residents Little Cayman is a haven for dive enthusiasts boasting some of the best diving in the world.  Far away from large island Emergency Medical Services the clinic has a 35-year-old ambulance and an older Jeep, which are both out of commission.  The parent Hospital on Cayman Brac, 6 miles to the North purchased an Odyssey EMS response unit built on a new Ford Expedition.   Now when a medical emergency arises the nurse can respond in a unit that will carry personnel and medical response equipment.  If transport is necessary she can secure the patient on the onboard folding backboard, fold a rear seat, secure the patient and transport the Little Cayman Clinic or to the grassy runway to be flown to Cayman Brac or Grand Cayman for treatment.   The last time they had an emergency requiring transport they had to use a neighbors pick up truck.

Clark County Nevada EMS was having a problem with a local thief breaking into and stealing narcotics from in service ambulances. When the thief tried to break into a Medicwest Ambulance he had met his match. Medicwest uses the SafeBOX to keep their narcotics safe when on board their ambulances. The thief tried for over half an hour with a crow bar and hammer to break into the SafeBOX and the noise alerted the crew who called the police and the thief was arrested and taken into custody where he faces serious charges

The ambulance cabinet and shelf that the SafeBOX was bolted to received extensive damage but the SafeBOX stayed secure into the mounting sleeve and was not breached. Seeing how well the SafeBOX protected their narcotics their director mandated that all of their ambulances carrying narcotics use the SafeBOX product.

AS FEATURED ON 1st RESPONDER BROADCAST NETWORK - www.1rbn.com - story #102907122

Published in the 2008 Jan/Feb issue of Public Safety (pg 34)

TWO CALIFORNIA FIRE DEPARTMENTS TAKE DELIVERY OF NEW ODYSSEY COMMAND SUBURBANS
The Rosevillle and Rocklin Fire Departments of Northern California recently took delivery of four Odyssey command and response units built on new Chevy Suburbans. This purchase is the third time Roseville, one of the fastest growing areas in Northern California has purchased an Odyssey unit all the way from New Jersey. The first unit, a 1993 Suburban still runs daily calls.
Each unit is painted red and white with reflective and gold leaf lettering and has very intricate cabinet systems consisting of seven separate cabinets assembled together to offer command and equipment storage. From the rear you can easily access radios, command board, files and tools from different size drawers and compartments. From the ceiling drops down a 15” flat screen to view TV broadcasts, especially from news helicopters and also to view signals from their thermal imaging camera. Equipment is accessible from the driver’s side rear door as well as a compartment behind the passenger side rear seat. Specialized power is supplied through an onboard sine wave inverter or exterior shore power when connected. With all of the communications equipment there are 11 antennas carefully positioned on the roof.

Established in 1979 as the market pioneer, Odyssey of Wharton NJ manufactures first response EMS units, Fire Chief, Command units, Specialty law enforcement and commercial vehicles based on sport utility vehicles, vans, trucks, trailers, light and medium duty rescues. In addition to response and specialty conversions Odyssey offers custom cabinet systems built to order and shipped to you for easy “Do-it-yourself” installation into existing vehicles.

Established in 1979 as the market pioneer, Odyssey of Wharton NJ manufactures first response EMS units, Fire Chief, Command units, Specialty law enforcement and commercial vehicles based on sport utility vehicles, vans, trucks, trailers, light and medium duty rescues. In addition to response and specialty conversions Odyssey offers custom cabinet systems built to order and shipped to you for easy “Do-it-yourself” installation into existing vehicles.

The Roslyn Rescue Fire Company in Roslyn Heights, NY recently took delivery on an Odyssey Chevy Tahoe response unit. All controls are mounted in Odyssey's new front control console. The rear command cabinet includes a pull-out command board, radios, storage and a 1,000 watt sine- wave inverter. Lighting includes a Whelen light bar, arrow unit and HiWay bar that raises emergency lighting high off the roof for protection and visibility.

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Law enforcement agencies need specialized vehicles to protect the public and Paramus New Jersey Police Department chose Odyssey Automotive Specialty to build their Patrol Commander Unit. This 2006 Ford Expedition lights up any situation with a Will-Burt NightScan Chief Light Tower and pistol grip controller. A Setina grill guard was installed for moving obstructions or stalled vehicles and all the latest power saving LED emergency lighting and sound was packaged as well. Weapons, tactical and lifesaving equipment go hand in hand in law enforcement and special organized storage is required. Odyssey met this challenge with their full length law enforcement cabinet. Deep slotted drawers mounted on slide-out rails secure longer tools and weapons while inside SCBA brackets hold fire fighting equipment. For rapid deployment Odyssey added an open storage compartment with quick release cargo straps to hold equipment tight during transport. Extra capacity is enhanced with a side door cabinet which allows access from inside the vehicle. This cabinet is an added bonus for EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement situations.

Established in 1979 as the market pioneer, Odyssey of Wharton NJ manufactures first response EMS units, Fire Chief, Command units, Specialty law enforcement and commercial vehicles based on sport utility vehicles, vans, trucks, trailers, light and medium duty rescues. In addition to response and specialty conversions Odyssey offers custom cabinet systems built to order and shipped to you for easy “Do-it-yourself” installation into existing vehicles.

Rescue-3 Arrives on-Island! - Rescue-3, the newest in St. John Rescue's growing fleet of vehicles arrived on-island just in time for the non-profit organization's formal kick-off for it's 10th year in service to the island of St. John. A spokesperson for the organization explained that rescue-3 was intended to be an Incident Command vehicle for group.

To see more pictures of St. John Rescue-1 log on to www.stjohnrescue.org

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NEW JERSEY BUYS “FIRST OF IT’S KIND” TAHOE RESPONDER!
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey is the first recipient Odyssey’s 2007 Chevy Tahoe conversion. 2007 is a total model change for the Tahoe offering new features to challenge Odyssey's over 27 years of experience. To enhance facilitation of emergency medical situations Odyssey’s new full length EMS cabinet with inside access side door SDC. Instead of a standard enclosed storage compartment an open cargo area was added up top with quick release cargo straps to meet Englewood Cliffs’ rapid deployment command strategy. Odyssey’s latest console adaptation is the control center for this vehicle, redesigned to fit the the changes to the 2007 Tahoe’s dashboard.

FEATURED IN 9-1-1 Magazine - June 2007 Issue - page 12

FEATURED IN EMS Product News July/August issue - page 13