Range of Benefits Emphasized to Win Money for TI
Otego, New York (pop. 1,000) – In 2004, Elbert McMorris, past chief of the Otego Volunteer Fire Department, constructed an appeal to the Department of Homeland Security for a Bullard Thermal Imager. On June 18, their $11,700 award was announced. Elbert took advantage of the Bullard assistance program, using the materials available on the thermal imaging website and receiving a free review of his narrative from Bullard.
Benefits of Thermal Imaging: “Our application focused on the benefit of thermal imaging for improving community and firefighter safety. We wrote about the use of thermal imagers for searching schools and nursing homes, conducting wildland searches for missing persons, fighting structural fires effectively, and detecting dangerous building conditions for firefighters. We also discussed our need to be able to respond to hazmat calls on Interstate 88 and the Canadian Pacific Railroad that run through our area.”
Demonstrating Need: “In discussing our financial needs, we provided income statistics and discussed our financial issues related to replacing our 25 year-old engine. We have an annual fund drive for ambulance diagnostic and treatment equipment for the Emergency Squad, and we mentioned that as well.”
Resources Utilized: “We used fire department run records, a census report, advice from a neighboring department about equipment, program guidance from the Department of Homeland Security, statistics on local fundraising, and a Cisco Internet seminar on writing grants.”
Keys to Success: “We estimated as accurately as possible the cost of the project and the number of people who would benefit – both civilian and fire department personnel. I believe we made a compelling argument for the technology, which included a realistic assessment of the impact of the camera on civilians, local and neighboring fire department, as well as preservation of life and property.”