Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded Walker County Emergency Services a $14,385 grant to purchase 21 thermal imaging cameras and accessories. (Photo contributed by Walker County Commissioner's Office)Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded Walker County Emergency Services a $14,385 grant to purchase 21 thermal imaging cameras and accessories, according to a news release from the Walker County Commissioner's Office.
WCES currently has eight thermal imaging cameras, but only six are operational and in service.
"With 19 fire stations serving an estimated 458 square miles, our current number of TICs does not meet our need to supply every firefighter with this live-saving technological tool," said Fire Chief Blake Hodge.
The new cameras are smaller and lighter than their older counterparts, and can be attached to a firefighter or their gear. WCES will place TICs at career and volunteer stations throughout the county, as well as Station 8 at Walker State Prison.
"The addition of these cameras will improve the safety of our firefighters and improve our ability to locate fire victims and injured firefighters," added Chief Hodge.
Along with their lifesaving capabilities, thermal imaging cameras can help firefighters search for missing persons, identify fires hidden in the wall of a house and locate hot spots in electrical and mechanical components.
"I'd like to thank Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for their continued support of public safety organizations. Their contributions improve the services provided by first responders in Walker County and other communities," said Chief Hodge.