WATERFORD – A grassroots group of residents pooled resources to bring a thermal imaging camera to town.

Fire Chief Brad Grover said the camera detects different levels of heat and shows them as an image on a hand-held camera.

He called it an invaluable tool that can help firefighters find people in smoke-filled buildings or find a fire in the wall or other hot spots.

“It’s even been used to help find people in the woods and in forest fires to find hot spots under the ground,” Grover said. “Any tool you can get to help you is good.”

Four area firefighters, Gary Hill, Tom McFarlane and Adrien Morin, all of Waterford and Charles “Gus” Fillebrown III of Stoneham, attended training on Dec. 13 and 14 to learn the operation of the camera.

Grover said eventually all firefighters will be trained on its use.

“Timing is essential in fighting any type of fire,” said assistant fire Chief Bill Haynes. “A thermal imaging camera will allow firefighters to quickly assess the fire’s condition, size and location and configure the appropriate response.”

Bill Stockwell, co-chairman of the fund-raising effort, said he became aware of the need for a thermal camera during the summer. There was a fire near his camp and he had a chance to talk to Haynes. He said Haynes told him of efforts starting to raise money.

“I jumped right into it to be of service,” Stockwell said. “I have experience at fund-raising.”

He said the organizers invited 50 people to come to a meeting and were pleased when 25 people responded. At the end of the evening $4,315 had been raised.

In October the group learned of the Gary Cole Foundation in Bangor, which purchases thermal imaging cameras in bulk and resells then to small, rural towns at price. The foundation purchased the camera, allowing Waterford to acquire it as soon as the training was completed.

The fund-raising effort continues in Waterford. The group is seeking to pay for the camera, accessories and training expenses. Grover said at least another $10,000 is needed.

Contributions may be sent to the Waterford Fire Department, Thermal Imaging Camera, and sent to Waterford Fire Department, 366 Valley Road, Waterford, ME 04088. For more information phone the town office at 583-4403.

jsmedley@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link