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News Release
Henderson Fire Department to Purchase Thermal Imaging Cameras
April 03, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE
PLEASE CONTACT KATHLEEN RICHARDS, (702) 267-2051
Henderson, Nev. – The Henderson Fire Department received a grant for $64,800 toward the purchase of nine thermal imaging cameras that will help save the lives of people and pets trapped in a burning structure.
Henderson firefighters will use the thermal imaging cameras to locate victims in dark or smoke-filled rooms. The cameras can detect the heat signature of a human or animal inside closets or crawl spaces, behind closed doors and under beds; effectively anywhere a victim may be obscured from sight. The cameras can detect heat signatures in temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
“These cameras are the greatest advancement in life-saving technology that I have seen in my 22-year career as a firefighter,” explained Fire Chief Steve Goble. “It is a tremendous asset to our Fire Department to have all nine Henderson fire stations outfitted with thermal imaging cameras as standard firefighting equipment.”
Thermal imaging cameras work by rendering infrared radiation or “heat” into light that is visible to the human eye. They can help firefighters locate the source of a fire before it is visible, such as smoldering embers within a wall or overheated electrical wiring.
The grant to purchase the cameras was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency under their Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The city of Henderson will provide matching funds of $16,200 for a total camera purchase package of $81,000.
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About the city of Henderson: Incorporated in 1953, Henderson is Nevada’s second largest city with more than 268,000 residents. Henderson is a premier city, nationally recognized for its stunning parks, trails, master-planned communities and outstanding quality of life. Recognized as one of America’s Best Cities (Business Week), the Second Safest City in America (Forbes), and twice named to MONEY magazine’s list of “Best Places to Live” in America, Henderson is a progressive and vibrant city committed to maintaining premier amenities and services for all who chose to live and work in Henderson…a place to call home.
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