INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTER 25
MUNICIPAL
E
valuators must select among several technolo-
gies, a great number of features, and a wide
range of service and support offerings. With
the increasing complexity of the market, many fire
departments are finding it difficult to determine
which thermal imager and accessories they should
purchase. This article aims to provide a picture of
the ideal evaluation process, which will result in
your department making the best purchase
decision.
Step One: team up and learn
Start by selecting a team of people to manage the
TI evaluation. It is important to include people of
different ranks and specialties, including an officer
with decision authority as well as line firefighters
who will actually be using the TI. This variety
ensures that the selected unit is the actual unit
that best meets the individual department's needs.
If you have never purchased a thermal imager,
take the time to learn the basics of thermal
imaging. How does the technology work? What are
the uses and limitations of TIs? Evaluation teams
should seek advice or instruction from local depart-
ments using TIs, attend large trade shows, training
seminars and even visit TI manufacturers. Be sure to
verify what you are learning from as many indepen-
dent sources as possible because there is conflicting
and inaccurate information in the field.
If you have owned TI's in the past, take the time
to familiarize yourself with the features and
benefits of the latest technology. If you are
expanding your current ownership, consider the
capabilities of the equipment that you already
By Brad Harvey
Bullard Thermal
Imaging Product
Manager
Evaluating
Thermal Imagers
Five Steps to Selecting the Best TI
for Your Department
Because thermal imagers (TIs) have quickly become a necessary tool for fire
departments, the number of suppliers and models has expanded, giving fire
departments (FDs) more choices than ever when it comes to choosing a TI.
The real world test is the
most critical part of your
thermal imager
evaluation

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