Propel Insurance is partnering with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to donate $6,120 to Key Peninsula Fire Department to fund a new thermal imaging camera.
Thermal imaging cameras are a critical tool for firefighters that can be used in many situations. The camera enables firefighters to “see” through smoke and darkness to quickly find anyone trapped in a building during a fire. The device also alerts firefighters to dangerous situations such as collapsed floors and the possibility of a “flashover” – a highly dangerous situation when small fire can super heat a room to an ignition point. The cameras can also play a major role in reducing property damage. With one in hand, firefighters can often locate hot spots inside walls and extinguish them before they spread.
Fire Chief Tom Lique said this camera replaces one that was over 10 years old and not consistently functional. Responding to a recent fire, firefighters were told children might be inside, and they could not get the old camera to work. Fortunately the children were safe elsewhere, but this incident illustrates how badly the community needed this new equipment.
“Thermal imagers used to be considered a luxury, but now they’re a critical piece of equipment for today’s firefighters,” said Lique. “Our community and our firefighters will be safer thanks to this donation.”
Key Peninsula Fire Department officials, firefighters, and executives from Propel Insurance and Fireman’s Fund will come together for a special public event where the grant package will be presented:
Date / Time Location
Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 Key Peninsula Fire Department
2:00 p.m. 8911 Key Peninsula, Lakebay, WA
The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, providing needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,800 different organizations totaling more than $29 million – including nearly $800,000 in Washington. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Propel Insurance, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.
Through this program, Propel Insurance has directed over $195,000 in grants to fire departments nationwide.
“We’re proud to be able to support this community in such a meaningful way, knowing so many people will benefit from the new equipment.” said Jill Vaitkus of Propel Insurance.
