$12,500 thermal camera donated to Port Richey Fire Department

Port Richey firefighters are getting another tool to help save lives: a thermal imaging camera.

The $12,500 piece of equipment is being donated today by Atlanta-based 500 for Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of fire victims and firefighters.

Thermal imaging cameras use infrared radiation as visible light, allowing firefighters to see areas of body heat through smoke, darkness or heat-permeable barriers to locate people inside a burning structure.

The Port Richey Fire Department will receive the Bullard's T 320 Thermal Imager during a presentation at the station at 7824 Grand Blvd.

Founded by Frank Buonanotte, an Atlanta real estate mogul turned philanthropist, 500 for Life raises funds to purchase thermal imaging cameras for fire departments across the country that cannot afford to purchase them.

Since the organization began in 2007, 500 for Life has provided more than a half-million dollars worth of thermal imaging cameras and training to 45 fire stations in 31 states, spokeswoman Jenn Weyand said. All donations to the organization are used to purchase thermal imaging cameras.