Keene Fire Rescue Deputy Matt Gillin presented city council members a request, which they granted, for the department to purchase a thermal imaging camera at Thursday’s city council meeting.
“If this room were on fire and completely filled with smoke, a flashlight can’t penetrate.” Gillin said, “What if people were huddled over in the corner of the room. With this camera I could go to the door, sweep the room with the camera and see the people.”
Gillin explained that the thermal imaging camera could help reduce search times during a fire and prevent unnecessary injury to firefighters while searching a burning building.
“That’s the lifesaving aspect,” he said. “It can also detect fire.”
Gillin explained how the camera can “see through walls” and find a hot spot that may be undetectable without a lengthy search.
“So if you had this piece of equipment,” Mayor Gary Heinrich said, “you wouldn’t have to tear up so much personal property.”
Gillin explained that the department works diligently to make sure a fire is completely extinguished before leaving the scene.
“That’s right,” Gillin said. “If I think there is a fire in that wall, I won’t hesitate to have my men tear it out. With this camera I can keep from doing that.”
After discussing the camera’s quality and the rare opportunity for a reduced price on the state-of-the-art technology, Gillin spoke to the council on the department’s finances and its ability to make the purchase.
In other business, council members voted to approve an ordinance amending Chapter 10 of the Keene code of ordinances, licenses, taxation and miscellaneous business regulations by amending Article IV on recreational vehicle parks. The council wanted to prevent such parks from becoming permanent residences. Discussion was over how to charge recreational vehicle parks for their water usage. RV parks are charged the commercial rate on water usage for 100 percent of the spaces. The council agreed to change the classification, charging RV parks the residential water-usage rate for 60 percent of the lots occupied.
The council also heard from Dianna Miller, executive director of the Johnson County Economic Development Commission, as she presented the economic development update for the county. Miller briefly touched on a number of subjects, including city updates, new planning and zoning laws and legislation, advice on working with oil and gas companies and their need for water, and advice on the city’s need for a master plan for future development.
The council approved 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 for extended early voting.
Kyle P. Whitecotton can be reached at
817-645-2441, ext. 2336,
or reporter2@trcle.com.
Local News
Fire department to buy thermal camera
- Local News
-
-
May/June 2012 Community Life magazine
The May/June 2012 edition of Community Life magazine is available for online viewing. Click here to view.
-
Primary election today
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator. Primary election day hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their precinct location. For information visit the Johnson County Election Office’s website at www.JohnsonCountyElections.com or call 817-556-6197.
-
Officials, residents remember those who gave it all
A robust breeze alleviated the heat somewhat Monday morning at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, but also played pandemonium with the setting up of a memorial table for POW and MIA veterans. Wind tipped a vase holding a single rose shattering it on the pavement. A hastily retrieved replacement held out but at one point toppled causing water to spill inches shy of the public announcement speaker.
-
A mother’s love, one day at a time
To everyone else, it was a regular Thursday. It was almost the weekend, almost summer break, time for vacation or time with family.
-
Candidates vie for Pct. 2, 3 seats
County voters will weigh in on three Johnson County Commissioners Court seats up for election on Tuesday. In addition to the five-candidate Precinct 1 race, voters living in precincts 2 and 3 will also vote for the commissioner of their choice.
-
Primary could decide constables
Ten candidates, all Republican, compete in their four respective precincts in the May 29 primary. With no Democratic opponents to face in November’s general election, the primary should decide the winner of all but one possible race.
-
Voters urged to check for possible precinct changes
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator.
-
Early voting numbers well short of ’08
Early voting turnout in Johnson County’s Democratic and Republican primaries totaled 3,914 as of Friday morning. That total includes 309 votes in the Democratic Primary and 3,605 in the Republican Primary.
-
Yellow Jackets headed to finals
GRAHAM — The Wichita Falls Rider pitching staff swam with sharks for most of five innings Friday, avoiding all but a few love taps and playful nips from Cleburne batters.
-
Changes at Splash Station
Splash Station officially opens for the summer season this weekend, and those who frequented the park in years past may notice some modifications.
- More Local News Headlines
-
