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The Mount Pleasant Fire Department has received a $49,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Program, announced Mount Pleasant Fire Chief Herb Williams. The award, secured through the grant writing efforts of Capt. Rob Wronski, has allowed the department to purchase four thermal imaging cameras and three Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) bags.
“We are grateful for this grant and will put this equipment to good use,” said Councilman Ken Glasson, Chair of the Fire Committee. “Fire Chief Herb Williams has indicated that the acquisition of these thermal imaging cameras has allowed us to place a unit on every front-line fire apparatus. The camera provides “sight” in dark and smoke filled environments, which is invaluable in the decision making process. Fire control and management – whether for natural resource fires, crash fires, or urban building fires – presents many challenges to our firefighters and is recognized as essential in timely fire rescue operations where lives are at stake.”
“The RIT bags are designed for speed,” said Capt. Wronski. “The primary purpose of the RIT bag is to supply air to stranded firefighters, or fire victims, in a zero-visibility environment. The equipment provides an air cylinder with an extra hour of breathing ability and 200 ft of rope. Beginning this week, the fire department is conducting a 24-hour long training course for all 120 firefighters on the deployment and use of the RIT.” |
