Pat Tomlinson
New Haven Register, Conn.
(TNS)
Sep. 12—STAMFORD — The Stamford Fire Department purchased new thermal imaging cameras that, they say, will revolutionize the department’s ability to navigate “hazardous, low-visibility environments and locate victims faster than ever before.”
With the purchase, the department says now every city firefighter will be equipped with thermal imaging technology that had previously only been available to the company officers on each apparatus. The move, they say, will enhance firefighter safety and operational efficiency in the most hazardous situations.
The new Seek Thermal FirePRO 200 cameras convert thermal energy into visual images. This allows firefighters to quickly “regain orientation in zero visibility conditions, such as those experienced in structure fires or other emergency situations,” according to Deputy Chief Phillip Hayes.
“Whether locating victims, identifying hot spots, or visualizing hidden hazards, these TICs will play a critical role in reducing response times and improving outcomes,” Hayes said.
Stamford Fire Chief Robert Morris said the department has been working toward providing all firefighters the equipment “for several years,” but recent dips in the cost of the new technology made their dreams possible to attain.
“We are now able to provide every firefighter with the tools they need to stay safe and protect the public more effectively,” Morris said. “Thermal imaging has become a vital part of firefighting operations. With these cameras, our firefighters can find their way out in blackout conditions, reduce the chance of ‘maydays,’ and quickly execute search and rescue operations.”
The department said the technology will help firefighters detect fire hotspots and potential rekindles at fire scenes and could come in handy during other sorts of search-and-rescue missions.
“These cameras are crucial in critical situations,” said Deputy Chief Victor Rella, who also serves as Stamford’s chief training officer. “With this technology, every firefighter can now see hazards that were once invisible, making our operations safer and more efficient.”
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