New Jersey Equips Local Firefighters with Bullard Thermal Imagers
Firefighters Gather for Distribution
April 21, 2000
New Jersey's push to equip its local fire departments with Bullard Thermal Imaging Cameras began on April 20 as state officials distributed the first 50 of the devices to fire districts from across the state. The event at Middlesex Fire Academy in Sayreville featured a live demonstration of the technology, along with presentations by Commissioner Jane M. Kenny and Bullard President Richard C. Miller.
The distribution follows a $7.5 million appropriation by Governor Christie Todd Whitman and the state legislature to purchase the life-saving devices for all of New Jersey's local fire departments. In taking that step, New Jersey becomes the nation's first state to equip all its local departments with thermal imaging cameras.
The state of New Jersey selected Bullard from among numerous thermal imager vendors under consideration in a bid process that began in the fall of 1999 and ended in March of 2000. The first 50 cameras produced under the agreement were distributed today to the first 50 fire districts that requested them. Additional cameras will be manufactured and delivered at a rate of 100 per month until all the state's approximately 750 local fire departments are equipped.
Bullard President Richard Miller predicts that thermal imaging cameras will revolutionize fire fighting throughout America. He praised New Jersey for being at the forefront of the revolution.
"Thermal imaging cameras will reduce firefighter deaths and injuries, save civilian lives and dramatically cut down on property damage," Miller said. "This will save local governments, insurance companies and taxpayers millions of dollars while sending firefighters home safely to their families. Governor Whitman and the New Jersey Legislature have exhibited visionary leadership with their program to furnish this important new technology to fire departments throughout New Jersey."
Bullard is a privately held manufacturer of personal protective equipment, based in Cynthiana, Ky. Product lines include thermal imaging devices, hard hats, firefighter and rescue helmets, police helmets, supplied air respirators and air quality equipment. For more information, contact Bullard Inside Sales at 1-800-827-0423 or visit Bullard’s web site at www.bullard.com.
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