Chicago Fire Department
Becomes the Largest Organization to Have a TI in Every Firehouse
July 8, 2003
With an extraordinary personal donation of $1.2 million from Bank One Chairman Jamie Dimon, the Chicago Fire Department purchased 120 Bullard Thermal Imagers, making CFD the largest organization in the world to have a TI in every firehouse.
During a news conference on May 27 at the Chicago Fire Academy, firefighters conducted a demonstration of the technology that illustrated the time that rescuers save when they’re using thermal imagers. Without a thermal imager, firefighters spent 4 _ minutes looking for a “downed” firefighter. With a thermal imager, the time was cut in half at 2 minutes, 15 seconds.
Fire Commissioner James T. Joyce explained the impact of this purchase for the Chicago Fire Department. “These 120 thermal imaging cameras will indeed represent 120 new sets of eyes for the department. They will provide a greater vision, one that will enable fire personnel to virtually walk through smoke-filled buildings with the ability to clearly see victims,” he said.
Bullard President and CEO Richard C. Miller says thermal imagers are revolutionizing firefighting throughout America. He praised Mr. Dimon for enabling the Chicago Fire Department to be at the forefront of the revolution.
“Mr. Dimon is to be commended, not only for his forward-thinking approach to prioritizing thermal imaging, but also for equipping the Chicago Fire Department at a level that allows the technology to be a real force in saving lives, preserving property and keeping firefighters safe on the job in the city of Chicago.”
Founded in 1898, Bullard is a leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment and systems worldwide. Product lines include thermal imagers, hard hats, firefighter and rescue helmets, supplied air respirators, powered air-purifying respirators, and air quality equipment. Bullard is headquartered in Cynthiana, Kentucky. For more information on Bullard products, contact info@bullard.com, or Bullard Sales Support at 877-BULLARD.