Firefighters say thermal camera pays off [The Reporter, Tavernier, Fla.]

May 28--A new high-tech camera that allows firefighters to see in the dark has already helped prevent disaster for the Islamorada firefighters.

The $9,800 thermal-imaging camera came to the department via a grant from Firemen's Fund Insurance and Regan Insurance Agency in Tavernier. The camera detects temperature differences and allows firefighters to monitor the temperatures inside a burning structure.

The camera recently showed that the second floor of a flaming house had been burned through, leaving a gaping hole that unsuspecting firemen could have fallen into. The camera showed the operator the temperature differences and the firemen were warned away from the danger.

The camera recently showed that the second floor of a flaming house had been burned through, leaving a gaping hole that unsuspecting firemen could have fallen into.

"We deploy the camera on any kind of structure fire or rescue scene," said Chief William Wagner III. "It's a great tool to have."

Joseph Roth III, of Regan Insurance said his company and Firemen's Fund are happy to see the money being put to good use.

"We're happy to partner with Firemen's Fund to bring this camera to the village," Roth said. "To be able to give this to the fire department and save people's lives and property is a good thing."

Firemen's Fund underwriter Jody Martin said her company's Heritage Program provided the funds for the camera.

"Since we launched this program in 2004 we have awarded more than $25 million in grants to support more than 1,500 fire departments across the country," she said.

Martin said the grants are awarded quarterly and she will apply for more funds for Islamorada when the opportunity comes again.

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