The ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response Team (FIR) hit the road in the Lone Star State this week to showcase the new mobile command center’s disaster response equipment and demonstrate how we can help support Texas communities and animals in the wake of natural disasters.

Throughout the week, the Personnel Support Trailer (PST) made special stops at Fort Sam in Houston, followed by visits to the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas A&M University and San Antonio Animal Services to discuss collaborative efforts between the ASPCA and Texas animal agencies in emergency situations.

FIR responders travel across the country to assist animals in situation such as natural disasters, puppy mill raids and dog fighting busts. In the aftermath of disasters, it can often be difficult for FIR team members to find housing near where their help is needed most. The new Personnel Support Trailer offers FIR responders a comfortable, secure place to stay while in the field and greatly enhances our ability to respond to emergencies while helping lower the costs of longer deployments.

Made possible by the generous support of the Joanie Bernard Foundation and the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, the trailer consists of a 53-foot 2012 Western Star Tractor with an attached 12-foot Command Post equipped with state-of-the-art communication capabilities, providing FIR responders with a vital communications portal and secure planning space. The new trailer has space for 12 team members and includes fully functional bathrooms, a kitchen area, an expandable living space and two generators, allowing responders to be completely self-contained for up to one week.

Learn more about the ASPCA’s life-saving work in the field by checking out our rescue-related news feed.