Left to right: Terri Dove, Katherine Waters, Chief Brian Hickerson with TIU, Buck Waters, Andrew Frizzle, Norman Frizzle. (Courtesy of Christine Batson)

The NVFD took delivery of the county’s first thermal imaging unit on December 23. The TIU, which helps firefighters locate heat sources, was purchased and donated by the Nokesville-based Waters Foundation with funds raised by a benefit concert in September.

A firefighter holding a TIU can quickly scan a room for thermal images put off by heat sources, including people and electrical problems. In heavy smoke situations when seconds count, the camera can locate unconscious persons and frightened children who may be hiding. The TIU will also locate fire inside a wall, floor or ceiling. Because the source is found quickly, it can save the life of someone who might be hurt by a collapsing floor or ceiling. In addition, damage to a building is minimized because firefighters need not rip out walls as they look for smoldering fires. The TIU will go out with the first engine to respond to a fire.

The funds to purchase the TIU were raised by the Waters Foundation, along with several sponsors, at a benefit concert on September 21 at the Cramer Center in Manassas. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the concert, which featured a variety of local performers, went toward the purchase. The Foundation is also helping to provide TIUs to other county fire departments.

Buck and Katherine Waters presented the new TIU to the leaders of NVFD: Chief Brian Hickerson, Deputy Chief Andrew Frizzle, Assistant Chief Norman Frizzle, President Terri Dove and Vice President Kim Batson.