The firefighters in our communities face many challenges, and a steadily aging population has led to even more unusual challenges.

With more seniors and aging veterans, and more seniors’ complexes, it has become increasingly difficult to ensure the safe evacuation of people in a raging fire or smoke-filled environment.

While children tend to hide in closets and in corners, the elderly can be anywhere. Elderly people can be located on, in, under or behind beds, sofas, on chairs, in wheel chairs, on the floor, on stairs, or anywhere.

For firefighters, sight is one of the most precious commodities. But when fighting a fire, smoke can quickly rob them of that sense, essentially blinding them and handicapping their ability to perform effectively, find the seat of the fire and/or locate victims.

Because of this, generations of firefighters have yearned to “see” through smoke — and now they can.

In the past 15 years or so, thermal imaging cameras (TICs) have been introduced to the fire service market, allowing firefighters to virtually “see” through smoke.

The Royal Canadian Legion takes pride in not only helping aging veterans, but also an aging general population, and this is another way Poppy Fund Donations serve a local community.

Our community is very generous with donations each year assisting veterans and their families and it is proper that our veteran seniors and the local community benefit in safety and health matters.

Howard Williams

Royal Legion Branch no. 71 Poppy Fund

Committee Representative