Thermal Imaging Camera donated to WITC

A thermal imaging camera was donated to Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College by Independent Insurance Agents of Northwest Wisconsin. From left: Craig Fowler, WITC-Campus Administrator; Aaron Marsh, Marsh Agency; Jack Running, WITC Fire Training Coordinator; John Nelson, Thompson-Nelson Insurance Agency; Joe Erickson, Knudson Agency.

A thermal imaging camera was donated to Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College by Independent Insurance Agents of Northwest Wisconsin. The TIC will be used in fire training that WITC offers district wide to community fire departments throughout Northwestern Wisconsin.

The Independent Insurance Agents, covering 10 counties, hold a fundraiser golf tournament every August, with funds designated for fire safety. The $7,000 TIC allows firefighters to see areas of heat through smoke, darkness or heat-permeable barriers such as walls, enabling them to see the source of the fire or locate victims.

Jack Running, WITC Fire Training Coordinator, said the college now has two TICs and, “the training exercises will enable departments to determine whether it is an equipment investment they should make, or in the case of those departments that have a TIC, the firefighters can advance their skills in using it.”

In addition to the TICs, the college has its own pumper truck, burn simulator trailer, driving simulator and other up-to-date equipment for hands-on firefighting training.

Firefighting, Technical Rescue, and Customized Emergency Response Training is offered through all four WITC campuses – Superior, Ashland, New Richmond and Rice Lake. For more information, contact Jack Running, 800.243.9482, ext. 4208, or Mike Hermann, ext. 3123.

WITC serves the educational and career needs of more than 25,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year. With multiple campuses, WITC offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. WITC is a member of Wisconsin Technical College System.