FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (DRAFT)

Stamford, CT — In a groundbreaking move to enhance firefighter safety and operational effectiveness, the Stamford Fire Department has announced the purchase of Seek Thermal FirePRO 200 Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs). Manufactured by Seek Thermal in Santa Barbara, California, these advanced devices will provide every Stamford firefighter with the ability to navigate hazardous, low-visibility environments and locate victims faster than ever before.

With this acquisition, the Stamford Fire Department is significantly enhancing its operational capabilities by equipping every firefighter with thermal imaging technology—previously available only to the Company Officer on each apparatus.

“This is something we’ve been working toward for several years,” said Chief Robert Morris. “With the cost of thermal imaging technology coming down and the quality improving, we are now able to provide every firefighter with the tools they need to stay safe and protect the public more effectively.”

Enhanced Safety and Situational Awareness

The Seek Thermal FirePRO 200 cameras are designed to enhance situational awareness and firefighter safety by converting thermal energy into visual images. This capability allows firefighters to quickly regain orientation in zero visibility conditions, such as those experienced in structure fires or other emergency situations. Whether locating victims, identifying hot spots, or visualizing hidden hazards, these TICs will play a critical role in reducing response times and improving outcomes.

“Thermal imaging has become a vital part of firefighting operations,” Morris continued. “With these cameras, our firefighters can find their way out in blackout conditions, reduce the chance of maydays, and quickly execute search and rescue operations.”

Expanding Capabilities with the SEEK FirePRO 200

The SEEK FirePRO 200 offers state-of-the-art features, including:

• Designed and manufactured in the USA. The thermal sensor was produced by Seek Thermal in Santa Barbara, CA.
• Improved firefighter safety. The cameras allow for increased situational awareness, even in zero visibility conditions.
• Mission execution. Quickly locate victims and hot spots, reducing response time when every second counts.
• Overhaul efficiency. Multiple firefighters using Survey Mode can better detect potential rekindles.
• Redundancy. Provides a backup thermal capability if the primary decision-making TIC fails.

Deployment Across the Department

Each Stamford Fire Engine and Truck Company, staffed by an Officer, driver, and two firefighters, will now be equipped with thermal imaging cameras. The Company Officer already utilizes a high-grade TIC as the primary search tool in zero visibility environments, while the new SEEK cameras will enhance the situational awareness of the driver and each of the other firefighters on the scene.

“These cameras are crucial in critical situations,” said Deputy Chief Victor Rella, Chief Training Officer of the Stamford Fire Department. “With this technology, every firefighter can now see hazards that were once invisible, making our operations safer and more efficient.”

Proven Technology

The decision to go with SEEK’s FirePRO 200 came after extensive testing and evaluation. “We first explored this product in-depth at the 2024 Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis,” Assistant Chief Mike Robles explained. “We tested several models and found the FirePRO 200 to be the best fit for what we were trying to accomplish.”

The Stamford Fire Department anticipates that these new tools will not only improve firefighting operations but also enhance their ability to respond to other types of incidents, such as search and rescue missions for missing persons.

Contacts:

Mark Vendetto, Salesperson, MES Shipman’s
Josh Commoss, Manufacturer Representative, SEEK Thermal

For more information on the Stamford Fire Department’s new thermal imaging capabilities, please contact Assistant Chief Mike Robles at the Stamford Fire Department.

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CONTACT INFO:

Deputy Fire Chief / Public Information Officer Philip Hayes
(203) 977-5600

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