Stj Marys Fire Department received a heat imaging camera donation. One of the new thermal imaging cameras is tested on the St. Marys Fire Department at a recent training night.Stj Marys Fire Department received a heat imaging camera donation. One of the new thermal imaging cameras is tested on the St. Marys Fire Department at a recent training night.
Midwestern

Anonymous donation for life saving camera for St. Marys Fire Department

St. Marys Fire Department is welcoming an early Christmas gift from an anonymous person.

The department received a $9,000 donation toward the purchase of two thermal imaging cameras.

The cameras allow firefighters to see areas of heat through smoke, darkness or heat-permeable barriers. They are usually used in cases where people are trapped and rescuers cannot find them.

The fire department has been experiencing problems with its 15-year-old camera which was shutting down within 10 minutes of use. As other lifesaving rescue equipment was prioritized this year, a new Thermal Imaging Camera was sidelined for a future purchase.

The person donated the money during Fire Prevention Week in October. According to the Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson, the gift could be the difference between life and death.

“It’s an incredibly valuable tool that will help us serve our community better,” said Anderson. “In worst-case scenarios, it could potentially help save somebody’s life. It also helps us to be more efficient and do our jobs more effectively. We can’t say enough how about much we appreciate this generous donation.”

Deputy Fire Chief Brent Dundas added that “the cameras will let firefighters quickly scan a room for victims, exits and fire caught behind walls."

"In a fire situation, we often can’t see because of smoke," he said. "The camera allows us to cut through the smoke and see anyone that is there, like a second set of eyes.”

Other individuals or organizations that would like to donate to the fire department can send their contribution to St. Marys Fire Department, PO Box 998, 172 James Street South, St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6 or contact Fire Chief Anderson at 519-284-2340 ext. 201.

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