Published: May 14, 2008 10:38 pm         

Beckley Fire Department receives funds for laptop project

Beckley firefighters preparing to battle large, commercial blazes will now know everything about the structure — plus locations of hazardous materials — and have all the information at their fingertips and at the scene.

Capt. Billie Trump said the department has received funds from the Beckley Area Foundation for a laptop project the department is undertaking. According to BAF, the department received $3,000.

Trump said the department seeks to purchase a laptop computer which will have all of the department’s pre-fire plans stored. The department already keeps layout plans of all commercial buildings and apartment complexes on file, as well as all hydrant locations. Those plans let firefighters know a building’s layout and structure and the locations of utility shutoffs and hazardous materials.

Right now, the department will only purchase one laptop to keep inside the shift commander’s vehicle, Trump said. It is the department’s goal to eventually have these inside all its vehicles.

“This will give us enough information to make sound, tactical decisions,” he said.

Having this information available — in a compact, easily accessible place — could make the difference between life and death, according to Trump. For example, the department keeps roof structure information on file. If firefighters arrive at a location that has been burning for 15 minutes, a lightweight roof could easily collapse. The roof collapsed during a June 2007 furniture store blaze that killed nine South Carolina firefighters.

The department has kept laptops in the past, but they have not been useful in the field — particularly because of durability, Trump said. It now wants a “Toughbook” laptop, designed to handle more abuse. There is a special grade dedicated to public safety workers, but the department does not need any model beyond this strength.

“There are some designed for the military — ones that you can run over with a tank and they still work. Those are a little expensive,” he said.

Trump said the department is now negotiating the best price for a quality laptop. Without the BAF funds, this project would have never happened.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com