Valley Head Fire Department Receives Thermal Imaging Camera

The Valley Head Volunteer Fire Department was gifted a Seek FirePRO 200 thermal imaging camera by the Alder Springs Volunteer Fire Department Chief James Edwards and Public Information Officer Buck Brown during their meeting on Monday, May 13.

Edwards started “Project Charlie,” named after Charlie Carroll, a 7-year-old girl who was a victim of a house fire in Albertville on July 13, 2022. It was a night Edwards will never forget. Carroll’s grandparents and a twin sister were rescued by the firemen. However, they couldn’t find Charlie, who was crouched in her safe spot in a bathroom, until one of the firefighters found the girl by herself. Despite first responders giving everything they had, Edwards recalled, it was too late.

The Alder Springs Volunteer Fire Department recently donated a thermal imaging camera — designed to help find people inside a burning building — to the Valley Head Volunteer Fire Department.

Edwards said he wants every department to have access to thermal imaging cameras, something he feels would make a major difference when trying to find someone who needs to be rescued from a burning building.

When asked how locals can support their own fire departments, whether volunteer or career, Edwards’ response was simple: call them. “Ask what their needs are, because every department is going to have different needs, whether it be funds, volunteers, or hoses.”

If you would like to donate to help purchase thermal imaging cameras, Edwards said you can mail your gift to the station at 5915 Hustleville Road, Albertville, AL 35951. You can also reach out to them on their Facebook page, Project Charlie for Thermal Imaging, or call 256-894-3473 for more information.

The Valley Head Volunteer Fire Department is very thankful to Edwards and his department for this generous donation.