Staff Reports
09/21/2008 02:32:08 AM EDT
By Debra Friedman
Staff Writer
Thanks to newly installed satellite technology, firefighters can now respond to the scene of a blaze faster and locate water sources with more ease, saving more than just time and effort - potentially saving lives.
So far two fire engines and one sport utility vehicle have been equipped with mobile data browsers, computers that display detailed maps showing hydrants, ponds and other water sources near the area of a fire, Assistant Fire Chief Bob Kick said. The browsers also locate the quickest route to a fire and provide information about hazardous materials. The department plans to install many more units in the coming weeks.
"We're implementing it in a two-phase process," Kick said.
The goal of the first phase is to install 10 to 14 of the computers - Panasonic Toughbook laptops that use HTE Sungard software to display the data, Kick said. In phase two, the department will re-evaluate the budget and look to move forward with the eventual goal of installing units in every fire vehicle, said Kick, who noted that the project has been a top priority for himself and Fire Chief Pete Siecienski.
"We realized that as staff officers we are here to support those in the field - that is our primary function," Kick said.
So far the units have been installed in engine Ladder 1 located at the Central Fire Station,Car 5, which is used by the deputy chiefs and Engine 21, based in Cos Cob, according to the department.
The goal is to equip every fire department in the town with at least one unit by the end of phase one at the end of the year, Kick said. Units will then be installed depending on which vehicles are used most. The project is part of a larger computer initiative funded by a capital budget that is about $250,000 for the year, according to the department. Each unit costs about $5,500.
The town's fleet department has been installing the units, which Kick said is saving the department thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to a private company.
The software is being programmed by three department employees, who Kick said have been pivotal in the process. Lt. Brian Koczak, Lt. Charles Teichert and firefighter Kevin Coiner are using their knowledge of technology systems to help implement the program within the department, Kick said.
"Most computers are ready to go in. It's been a coordinated effort between a lot of people," Koczak said. "I think it's going to be a great asset."
In vehicles not yet equipped with the computers, firefighters refer to information in three-ring binders to locate water sources in the area when arriving to the scene of a blaze, Kick said. The department will continue to rely on this method as a back-up when the installations are complete. Kick said the department is also working with the town assessor's office to input building data to the machines.
"That gives us a layout of the building, or the approximate square footage of the building, which helps us figure out the amount of water needed to extinguish a fire," Kick said.
As the installations move forward, Kick said firefighters are being trained on how to use the new equipment. There has been one training session so far, and more are scheduled in the coming weeks, Kick said.
"This will be a constant program- there will always be changes and new technology coming up and it's a constant job to upgrade, enhance and provide the information to the units," Kick said.