The Loveland Symmes Fire Department applied to receive federal grant funding to purchase four new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant thermal imaging cameras. Thermal imaging cameras are vital to firefighters to conduct search and rescue operations, to detect heat signatures to assist firefighters to find the seat of the fire, and to locate hot spots to prevent rekindle. It is LSFD’s policy to equip each firefighter with a thermal imaging camera.
LSFD will be replacing older, out-of-date thermal imaging cameras with this delivery. After research, the department decided to go with the Flir K65 model. These cameras are equipped with five functions (basic mode, black and white, fire mode, search and rescue, and heat detection mode) and also have the ability to record images. Each company officer will be equipped with the new technological cameras.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) provides federal funding to departments to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. LSFD was awarded the 2021 AFG grant to purchase four thermal imaging cameras (not exceeding $28,800).