Fayette County firefighters this week thanked members of the local legislative delegation for their help in securing funding for new equipment.

Legislators petitioned Gov. Roy Barnes for help in funding a thermal imaging system, to help firefighters find people or animals trapped in thick smoke during fires. In December, Barnes announced a $10,000 grant from his discretionary fund.

“We're happy we were able to assist the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the people of Fayette County,” said state Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, whose district coves northern Fayette and parts of Coweta. “I'm glad the governor was able to approve the expenditure.

Rep. Kathy Cox and Sens. Greg Hecht and Rick Price also helped secure the funding.

“Everyone in our department is grateful to our legislators and to the governor for helping us secure the $10,000 grant,” said Capt. Pete Nelms, public information officer for the department. “To be better prepared in serving our community, we believe a thermal imaging system will be very useful.”

The system will help firefighters see objects in rooms that are filled with smoke, using infrared technology, Nelms explained.

“We need every advantage we can get,” said Nelms, noting that the device also can help locate the source of a fire. “We're still determining which model to purchase, but we're excited about making the purchase soon.”

The Fayette-Coweta Electrical Membership Corp. also made a donation.