Fire Foundation Donates 18 Thermal Imaging Cameras To Fire Dept.

NEW LENOX, IL —The New Lenox Fire Foundation recently donated 18 thermal imaging cameras to the New Lenox Fire Protection District. The fire department said the new handheld thermal imaging cameras allow the firefighters to fight fires smarter and safer.

The TICs will visualize hazards invisible to the human eye and help the fire crews to execute 360-degree size-ups, overhaul faster, and navigate through structures safely.

“When seconds count, these personal thermal imaging cameras will help save time and lives,” said NLFPD Lieutenant Tom VanTilburg. “We are very thankful to the New Lenox Fire Foundation for their donation which will help improve our ability to fight fires, search for and rescue victims.”

The department said the new TICs can detect temperatures from -40 to 626 degrees and can scan a large area to identify any hazards or those needing rescued in seconds. The LED flashlight attached to the TIC is 300 lumens, which will allow the crews to be able to see a little easier through smoke-filled areas.

“We are proud to donate these state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras to ensure the fire district has the most advanced technology available,” Tim Hartnell, President of the New Lenox Fire Foundation said in a release. “Over the last 10 years, the Fire Foundation has donated over $350,000 in life saving equipment to the fire district through our fundraising efforts which include our Annual Save a Life Raffle, 50/50 raffles at the Triple Play Concerts, Annual Controlled Burn Cook-Off, Pancake Breakfasts, and from special gifts donated from the community.”