La Vergne Fire Department Gets High-Tech Masks

LA VERGNE, TN — The La Vergne Fire Department has new high-tech equipment that officials say will help save lives.

The department has nine thermal-imaging cameras, which are worn as masks. Traditional thermal-imaging devices — which can detect hot spots and hazardous gases — are carried in a way similar to camcorders. The mask version frees up firefighters' hands.

“It will make a rescue much quicker. He has that view right there and he can scan with his head rather than using an apparatus like this, where I have to use my hand and use my body. He has that view right in front of him,” Mike Culberson, the La Vergne assistant fire chief, told WKRN.

The department hopes to add 30 more masks in the next year.

Image via Shutterstock.