Syracuse's Fire Chief is seeking a $125,000 grant to purchase new thermal imaging cameras that allow firefighters to see inside of structures, for a variety of reasons. Recently, firefighters had to enter a vacant, dilapidated house to confirm there was no one inside. Michael Monds says the view from the cameras are essential.
"To allow our firefighters to search buildings for trapped occupants and to search for hidden fire when there’s no visibility from this grant."
The city fire department's current cameras are reaching the end of their useful life. Monds spoke to city lawmakers today during a Common Council Study Session. He says money for the replacement cameras was cut from the department's budget as part of the city's contingency plans. The grant has a 10 percent local matching funds component which could save the city thousands.