Greenville (SC) city leaders and city firefighters broke ground on a new Fire Station 4 in the 400 block of East Park Avenue recently, the department said in a press release. The facility will replace the existing 75-year-old fire house at the corner of East North Street and Stone Avenue. 

“The existing station was built in 1950. That fire station sits in a floodplain. We experienced damage during Hurricane Helene,” said Chief Brian Horton. 

“This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction,” said City Manager Shannon Lavrin. “It marks the continuation of our commitment to keeping Greenville safe, prepared and well-positioned for the future.” 

The current station lacks the size and space for the equipment that meets today’s standards for fire service. Low hanging bay doors have required the modification of fire engines to fit inside the building.

In April, City Council unanimously approved the issuance of debt up to $10 million dollars for construction of the new station, on city-owned land previously used as the parks and grounds maintenance facility. 

The current Station 4, said Mayor Knox White, has been an icon and landmark in the city. “But,” White said, “everything has a time and a moment and it is time in to replace that fire station with something much more efficient.”

The new two-bay facility will house a rescue truck and engine company, critical for responding to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

“Working with City Council and our city manager’s office, we were able to tear the old building down and reuse property the City owns,” Horton said. “It’s an ideal situation because we can still get out on Park Avenue, get downtown quickly, and also be elevated so that we’re no longer in a floodplain or floodway.” 

The upgraded Stone Avenue Fire Station will include two bays to house a rescue truck and an engine company. As one of the first response units serving downtown Greenville, its location is considered vital to the City’s emergency response strategy. According to Horton, station placement is based on the National Fire Protection Association’s four-minute response time guideline, which helps determine coverage areas and minimize delays in emergencies.

In addition to improved resilience and capacity, the new building will feature dedicated spaces for firefighter wellness and safety, including a gym, protected storage for medical supplies and specialized rooms to store personal protective gear away from harmful UV rays and diesel exhaust.

“The building’s design reflects our commitment to modern standards in firefighting and personnel care,” said Horton. “Everything from the size of the sleeping quarters to the inclusion of a gym and medical resupply area helps us better serve the community.”

The Greenville City Fire Department maintains a Class 1 Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, the highest public protection classification that can be earned. The rating reflects the department’s commitment to excellent fire protection and its effectiveness in mitigating fire-related risks. 

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This month features the fifth and final part of this series. Hopefully, you have found these columns useful, as they consist of different applications or approaches to using thermal imaging as well as tactical techniques.

As with anything that we do in the fire service, proficiency only happens with continuous practice. This month, we will talk about medical assessment, maintenance, outdoor search and rescue, the spot temperature heat indicator, and field of view.

MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

A thermal imager (TI) is a great tool to use on medical runs for a rapid assessment to quickly identify patients with a higher or lower body temperature, which can be an indicator of illness; infection; and heat-related, cold-related, or lack of blood circulation conditions. Consider using a TI at mass-casualty incidents to help determine injuries and for reduced risk, as a TI eliminates the need for physical contact, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination and patient-to-patient infection transmission.

Note that using a TI does not make you a doctor. Follow your regular medical protocols for patient assessment, as thermal imaging data should not be relied on solely. Medical professionals must use clinical judgment to determine patient care. Fire service personnel must receive training on the proper use of TIs for medical assessment.

1 A pair of hands with a lack of circulation in the fingers. (Photos courtesy of Bullard.)

2 Using a soft Decon cloth to clean a TI.

MAINTENANCE

Maintaining a fire service TI is crucial to ensure its reliability and effectiveness in emergency situations. Following are the key steps and best practices for maintaining a TI.

• Regular exterior cleaning: Use a soft cloth and mild soap solution to clean the TI’s exterior casing. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Isopropyl alcohol works great for removing those stubborn stains. For cleaning the front lens, use a microfiber cloth or lens-cleaning solution to carefully clean the lens. Ensure no debris scratches the lens during cleaning.
• Software updates: Regularly check and update the TI’s software or firmware. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance or add features.
• Battery maintenance: Keep batteries charged according to manufacturer guidelines. Regularly inspect batteries for signs of wear or swelling and replace them when needed.
• Functional checks: Perform regular operational checks to ensure the TI is functioning properly. Test all features including different modes (if applicable) and temperature ranges. Conduct a visual inspection of the device for any physical damage or signs of wear and tear. Don’t forget the display screen (screws) and any side or carry straps, and check the operation of the charger. All TIs are man-made, battery-operated, and electronic pieces of equipment that can fail if not properly maintained.

Always refer to the user manual provided by the manufacturer for specific maintenance instructions tailored to your TI.

OUTDOOR SEARCH AND RESCUE

Using a TI for outdoor search and rescue operations can be an invaluable tool for fire services, emergency responders, and search and rescue teams. Following are some

Houston police recovered a stolen ambulance Wednesday after a 30-minute pursuit. The ambulance was taken from the emergency room area of Ben Taub Hospital around 6:30 p.m.

Thanks to GPS tracking and helicopter support, officers followed the vehicle as it traveled down Scott Street, Click2Houston reports.

The driver refused to stop and led officers on a slow chase, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, occasionally using the ambulance’s lights and sirens to move through traffic.

The chase ended when the ambulance lost control and got stuck in the mud near homes in Almeda. The driver refused to exit the vehicle, forcing officers to break a window, police say. A police K9 was deployed and bit the suspect’s arm during the arrest.

Police suspect the driver, a male in his 40s or 50s, may have been experiencing a mental health issue.

Visit Click2Houston for more.

South Central and Southeast officers are at 2300 Holmes. Male who stole a HFD Ambulance is in custody. Assist by K9, FOX and Pct. 7 Constable. 202 pic.twitter.com/9Kiuaj0ryi

— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) June 12, 2025

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