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Sunday, September 21, 2008

09/21/08 Greenwich Newsline; Firefighters Trade Three Ring Binders In For Laptop



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.....
......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. ....

....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.

Comment:
Instead Of Letting Frank Mazza Go Millions Of Dollars Over Budget To Deliver A "NEW" Way Over Budget Hamilton Avenue School That Has Cracks And Leaks The Money Should Have Been Used For Upgraded And Enhancing Emergency Vehicles.
When is the Board Of Education going to audit Frank mazza's out of control spending of tax dollars.


Sourse: Greenwich Time


Reporter: Debra Friedman


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