The Washington County Riverboat Foundation dispersed grant monies to local groups in May for their spring grant cycle. One of the organizations that applied was the Riverside Fire Department. Their application was approved for $5,000 for a thermal imaging camera. This will replace a 12-year-old unit with upgraded technology. Riverside Fire Chief Chad Smothers describes what the new camera will allow the department to do. “The camera itself is for firefighting operations. It allows us to see through smoke, to locate victims quicker. It allows us to pickup heat so we can see the origin of the fire more quickly. We can also find hot spots or hidden fires. It can also be used outside of firefighting. The camera can help in a lost or missing persons case. It can be used at night or during the day to pick up heat signatures or bodies out in a remote area.”

The new camera is a Bullard QXT. The unit has been ordered and will be affixed to their fire engine when it is received. The camera cost $6,700, and the department made up the remaining difference for the purchase. This spring the Washington County Riverboat Foundation gifted more than $122,000 in grants to local organizations.