Early Christmas gift for St. Marys Fire Department

Christmas came early this year to the St. Marys Fire Department, when an anonymous person generously donated $9,000 toward the purchase of two thermal imaging cameras (TIC).

A TIC allows 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 currently has a 15-year-old TIC. The Fire Department has been experiencing problems with the current TIC over the past two years, with the camera shutting down within 10 minutes of use. As other lifesaving rescue equipment was prioritized this year, a new TIC was sidelined for a future purchase.

The person donated the money during Fire Prevention Week in October. According 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,” says 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 adds 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. The ITC 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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Contact

Andrea Macko | Events Coordinator
519-284-2340, ext. 249 | amacko@town.stmarys.on.ca