Fire district gets grant to purchase cameras

The York Center Fire Protection District recently received a $20,000 grant to purchase two thermal-imaging cameras that will help efforts to save lives and reduce property damage.

The high-tech cameras allow firefighters to "see" through smoke and darkness to locate anyone trapped inside a burning building.

The devices also can help firefighters locate hot spots inside walls so they can be extinguished before they have a chance to spread.

"These days, firefighting is much more than just putting water on fire," York Center Fire Chief Andrew Bonomo said in a written statement. "High-tech tools have become commonplace and are critically important, especially when it comes to using thermal imagers for rescuing people."

The grant was received through the Fireman's Fund Heritage Program administered by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. ProAccess, a professional liability insurer with offices in Chicago and New Jersey, helped direct the grant to York Center.

Program grants help pay for equipment, training and educational tools for fire departments.

The York Center Fire Protection District includes unincorporated areas of Lombard, Villa Park, Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace, as well as three miles of I-88.