Project Charlie, which started in 2022, raises funds to get thermal imagers (TI) into fire departments across the state of Alabama. TIs help firefighters detect trapped victims through thick smoke and debris.
So far, Project Charlie has placed 80 TIs in Alabama fire departments—50 of them in Marshall County alone, with others in Jackson and Madison counties, according to a waaytv.com report.
Chief James Edwards of the Alder Springs Volunteer Fire Department in Marshall County, Alabama, wrote about the project in a recent Facebook post.
“I want to introduce you to Project Charlie, an initiative to provide fire departments with thermal imaging cameras across the state of Alabama.
“In July of 2022, my department was called out to a structure fire where a grandfather and two children were trapped inside. The grandfather and one child were located and rescued. The other child was brought out by the Albertville Fire Department, but she took longer to locate and had severe smoke inhalation. This was a young girl named Charlie. Medics from Marshall County Health System Ambulance Service and I provided patient care until we reached the hospital where she passed away.
“Thermal imaging cameras would have helped save Charlie’s life, and it is my mission to get these cameras into the hands of first responders so other lives can be saved. Donations from businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals make this possible. So far, we have been able to purchase two cameras for each career and volunteer fire department in Marshall County, one camera in each police department in Marshall County, and one in the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Our next goal is to expand this project to the entire state and put a camera in every career and volunteer fire department in Alabama. This is a lofty goal that is only possible with the support of our community. To help raise awareness or donations for Project Charlie, contact me at 256-302-4161 to host a presentation at your office, church, or organization. Donations can be made directly by check and sent to Alder Springs Fire Department at 177 Stagecoach Road in Albertville, AL 35951. Our 501c3 Non-Profit Tax ID number is 63-1284003. Stay up to date on our progress by following Project Charlie for Thermal Imaging on Facebook.
“Together, we can provide life saving technology to Fire Departments all across Alabama.”
