Grant providing trio of local fire departments with thermal imaging cameras

A trio of Whitley County volunteer fire departments and four fire departments in surrounding counties have been selected as recipients of thermal imaging cameras through a state grant program.

The Kentucky Fire Commission recently announced that Goldbug, Pleasant View and South Whitley volunteer fire departments had been awarded a thermal imaging camera through its fiscal year 2023 grant program.

“During fireground operations, a thermal imaging camera (TIC) is indispensable. This handheld tool assists firefighters in seeing through smoke, monitoring fire spread, locating hot spots and saving lives. A goal of the Kentucky Fire Commission is to ensure every department throughout the Commonwealth has at least one TIC within their department,” the fire commission wrote on its website.

Other area fire departments receiving cameras through the program include: Lily Fire and Rescue, East Bernstadt Fire Department, East Knox Volunteer Fire Department and McCreary County Fire Protection District.