Spencerport Fire Department adds new rescue equipment

The Spencerport Volunteer Fireman's Association recently purchased and placed into service a new thermal imaging camera (TIC). The camera interprets temperature differences and provides a color image on a small screen.

A situation that firefighters are all too familiar with is the inability to see their hand in front of their face due to a black smoke-filled room. However, with this new TIC, firefighters are able to scan a room for victims in a fraction of the time that it takes to search the room only by feel.

This most recent purchase brings to three the number of TICs available to the department. Each station now has a camera, trimming down the time needed to conduct a successful rescue of a person trapped in a fire. Thermal imaging cameras allow firefighters to detect hot spots, or fires hidden by walls, without having to damage an unaffected area. Or they may be used to help locate a person lost in the dark in a wooded area, something that exists in the Ogden area to a high degree.

Donations received in memory of deceased loved ones are placed into a memorial fund. The Spencerport Volunteer Fireman's Association purchased the new TIC for $10,890, with the money coming from that fund. Chief Dan Azzolina, on behalf of the Spencerport Volunteer Fireman's Association, said he hopes that in some small way it brings comfort knowing that the money donated in memory of a loved one will help save a life. These deceased members of the community live on through this memorial fund which continues to make Spencerport a better place to live.

Brian J. Krywy, Assistant Chief