City of Newton KS : Fire/EMS receives grant for thermal imaging cameras

Newton Fire/EMS has received a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase new thermal imaging cameras, a critical component of firefighting operations.

The $17,595 grant will fund four new thermal imaging cameras, which allow firefighters to 'see' through smoke and darkness to identify hot spots in a structure fire or see the heat signature of a hidden victim.

The new equipment will replace the department's first generation thermal imaging cameras, some of which are more than 10 years old and can no longer be repaired by the manufacturer. The new models are much lighter and more portable.

Division Chief Cory Lehman said replacing the thermal imaging equipment had been identified by department staff as a high priority during their annual needs assessment.

ABOUT FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $29.5 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $390,000 in Kansas.