On June 16th the Pinch Volunteer Fire Department placed two brand new Bullard Eclipse 160 Thermal Imaging Cameras in-service, one each on Engine 22 and Engine 23. These are the first engine companies to respond to a structure fire out of the Pinch and Big Chimney Stations, respectively. These cameras are the latest technology, extremely durable, and small enough to carry attached to a firefighter's air pack. They will allow firefighters to locate victims, pets, and the fire itself more quickly and efficiently, as they "see" temperature changes and thus can "see" through smoke and darkness. The new Thermal Imaging Camera will supplement our existing Argus 2 Thermal Imaging Camera, which is now in-service on Rescue 2. The cameras cost $7,300 each; however $6,000 was awarded to the department through a Rural Development Authority Grant to help fund this project. It is interesting to note the Argus 2 Thermal Imaging Camera was purchased in 2000, for some $15,000; that's more than the cost of the two we just purchased! The Bullard Eclipse 160's are also much more compact than our Argus 2. We have held a class on these new cameras prior to placing them in-service, and will be conducting additional continuing education in the near future.