The Hawaii County Fire Department has purchased two Nikon digital single-lens reflex cameras and accessories to assist in fire investigations thanks to a $1,781 fire prevention grant from FM Global.
The Hawaii County Fire Department has purchased two Nikon digital single-lens reflex cameras and accessories to assist in fire investigations thanks to a $1,781 fire prevention grant from FM Global.
The DSLR cameras will assist investigators in capturing better photos in low light conditions as well as capturing extremely close up shots necessary to document fire scenes during the investigation, said Todd Kazuo, captain of the Fire Prevention Bureau in West Hawaii.
“Some of the evidence used we need to document can be the size of a dime and a good picture makes a huge difference,” he said. “We hope to use these photos when pursuing arson cases as good documentation is often crucial to testimony in court for prosecution of arson.”
FM Global representative Mark Carbonella presented the grant to Todd on Friday at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. FM Global is one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers.
Because fire continues to be the leading cause of property damage worldwide, during the past 35 years FM Global has contributed millions of dollars in fire prevention grants to fire service organizations around the globe. Locally, the company has awarded grants to a number of Hawaii-based organizations.
Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants quarterly to fire departments — as well as national, state, regional, local and community organizations worldwide — that best demonstrate a need for funding, where dollars can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause.
To learn more about FM Global’s Fire Prevention Grant Program, or to apply for a grant, visit fmglobal.com/grants.