Racine Co. Sheriff's Office receives generous donation

RACINE (WITI) -- The Racine County Sheriff’s Office received a $6,300 donation from Union Grove businessman Doug Coleman to purchase a new COMMAND THERMAL IMAGER by FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) camera and video recorder.  

Officials say the new piece of equipment that will be an invaluable tool for deputies to use when searching for a missing child, adult, or suspect in low-light situations.

The FLIR camera is a thermal imaging (infrared) type of system. Infrared light can penetrate smoke and fog better than visible light, revealing objects that are normally obscured and the infrared "glow" enables officers to locate in total darkness a person that may be lost or hiding in a variety of environments such as a wooded area, farmers field, building or home.

On Thursday, January 31st, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling will present Coleman with a certificate of appreciation for his donation. He'll also demonstrate the new FLIR camera.