EAST LANSING, Mich. – Members of the media and community are invited to a special check presentation for the East Lansing Fire Department (ELFD) on Monday, July 17 at noon at Fire Station 1, 1700 Abbot Road.
The Kiwanis Club of East Lansing and the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) will each be presenting a $6,500 check to ELFD for the purchase of two new thermal imaging cameras, both of which have already been purchased.
In addition to the purchase of the two new cameras, the funding support also covers an orientation from the distributor, two truck chargers, two extra batteries and a five-year full warranty on each camera and battery. ELFD’s previous thermal imaging cameras were old and beginning to malfunction. The new cameras are lighter, contain a higher resolution picture and have enhanced abilities to locate civilians and hidden fires within structures.
“The generous financial support of the Kiwanis Club and MSUFCU is greatly appreciated,” said ELFD Chief Randy Talifarro. “The new cameras will not only improve upon the efficiency of the work we do, they will provide lifesaving value to our community and enhance the level of safety for our firefighters when they are called out to structure fires.”
“The East Lansing Fire Department faces unique challenges in its service to a residential community that is also a college town,” said ELFD Deputy Chief Dawn Carson. “Possessing the proper tools and equipment can make the difference between a life saved and a life lost when searching structures with high life safety concerns, such as student housing or senior living facilities.”
The new cameras will also help ELFD to locate fires faster, potentially minimizing property damage; improve upon response to hazardous material spills; and quickly locate lost individuals or victims ejected from motor vehicles at an accident scene.
Parking is available at ELFD Fire Station 1 to the north of the building and behind the building. There will be interview and photo/video opportunities during the event