Members of the Derby Fire Department are enjoying the benefits of new safety equipment after Linda Holems-Hannon and other members of the Rotary Club were on hand to present each of the four Derby firehouses with a handheld Thermal Imaging Device. Firefighters can use the small hand-held devices to gain access to crucial visual information, improving their ability to navigate through smoke, locate victims, and identify hotspots quickly and accurately.
Linda Homes-Hannon presenting the devices.
In presenting the devices, Linda Homes-Hannon, who chaired the Flags for Heroes project which raised the funds for the donation, thanked the firefighters for all they do for the residents of Derby. Linda noted that a similar presentation has already been made to the Shelton Fire Department who put it into use in a serious fire only a day after receiving their units. She was joined by Carolyn Dow and Sharon Harmon who will chair next year’s event. Linda explained that a year ago funds raised from the Flags for Heroes project funded a donation of first aid kits to the police departments in Derby and Shelton. Next year, the club will be working to make donations to first responders in the two cities.
Retired Derby Fire Marshal shows an earlier version of the thermal imaging device. |
 The hand-held Seel Fire Pro 200 Thermal Imager. |
George Kurtyka, Chairman of the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen, thanked the Rotary Club on behalf of the city and Mayor Joe DiMartino who was away at the time of the presentation. He was joined by Fire Marshal Brian Lampert, Chief Thomas Biggs, and Assistant Chief Fitch as well as Gary Parker.