INDIANAPOLIS (April 10, 2008) -- It has quickly become one of the most important pieces of equipment any firefighter can have, and now fire departments in several communities across the country will receive the most modern, high-tech versions of the tool.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company today announced the fire departments selected to receive a thermal imaging camera and other equipment from a nationwide grant selection process.
After careful review by representatives of the NFFF, six winners were chosen out of more than 1,249 grant submissions. Four of the departments will receive new thermal imagers, while the other two are being awarded needed equipment that includes water pumps and personal protective clothing. The combined value of all grants is nearly $90,000.
A formal presentation event will be held Friday, April 11 at the FDIC national fire conference in Indianapolis.
Each thermal imager, valued at nearly $13,000, uses updated technology to enable firefighters to "see" through smoke and darkness to quickly locate anyone trapped in a building during a fire.
"Thermal imagers are proven tools for saving lives," said Dennis Compton, chairman of the NFFF. "It is one of the hottest pieces of equipment in the fire service today because every department not only wants one, but needs one to be as effective as possible."
"Thermal imaging cameras are used every day around the country to find victims and save lives," said Danielle Cagan, Heritage program director at Fireman's Fund. "We are proud to be part of this program which is designed to make local communities safer."
Grant Winners
Cressona Fire Company #1, Cressona, PA, Thermal Imaging Camera
Espen Volunteer Fire Company, Espen, KS, $15,000 for two new water pumps
Exeter Park Volunteer Hose Co., Exeter, PA, Thermal Imaging Camera
Farmington Hills Fire Department, Farmington Hills, MI, Thermal Imaging Camera
Jefferson Fire & Rescue, Jefferson, ME, Thermal Imaging Camera
Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, Unionville, PA, $19,000 for new turnout gear
The grant program is funded by money raised from DVD sales, T-shirt sales, screening events, and other fundraising related to the film, "Into the Fire." The 70-minute documentary, funded and presented by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company on The History Channel, captures amazing stories told first-hand by men and women firefighters who have dedicated their lives to protecting others.
Fireman's Fund has a longstanding commitment of supporting the fire service and making communities safer. Since 2004, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company has donated more than $17 million to over 900 different fire departments across the country.
