Waco to Pilot Hands-Free C-THRU Helmet Thermal Imaging System for Firefighters

The useful part

Waco firefighters soon will be using a new thermal imaging augmented reality system not yet available to the general public. Council last week approved a three-year, $396,000 agreement with Qwake Technologies Inc. of Austin, allowing the fire department to buy at a discount the hands-free thermal imaging equipment and software, along with training on its use.

How it works

• A Smart Firefighter Helmet developed by the University of Edinburgh remains in the early research phase and is focused on demonstrating the technology rather than operational use, James wrote.
• James' letter to the city says other systems, including 3M's Scott Sight In-Mask Thermal Imager and Longan Vision's Fusion Vision System still in the prototype stage, do not have the same combination of...
• The department expects delivery within 60 days, Deputy Chief Philip Burnett said Friday.
• "The designers and distributors of this technology will be traveling to our training facility to deliver a robust training program prior to the devices being placed in service," Burnett said.
• Fire officials intend to have the new systems deployed in January, he said.

What to take from it

Under Qwake's development program, firefighters will use the system in the field and provide feedback. The city's agreement provides for purchase and support of 16 C-THRU helmet-mounted units, along with command center software, training, connectivity services and related equipment. The city received a 30% discount on the augmented reality systems and a 60% discount on accessories such as cases, mounts and command tablets, compared with retail prices, according to the purchase agreement.

Details worth keeping

Waco, TX, Firefighters to Review Hands-Free Thermal Imaging System | Firehouse Technology Waco, TX, Firefighters to Review Hands-Free, High-Tech Thermal Imaging System Firefighters will be trained by Qwake designers before the 16 C-THRU helmet-mounted devices with software are placed in service in Waco next year. By CHRISTOPHER DE LOS SANTOS Source Waco Tribune-Herald, Texas (TNS) Sept. This ladder truck is one of two new apparatus at Waco Fire Department.

Related coverage

• Firerescue1: The three-year agreement makes Waco the second Texas department to test Qwake's C-THRU helmet, which combines thermal imaging with navigation, communication and safety alerts
• Firerescue1: Fort Worth's Technical Rescue Team reached a crane operator in distress, provided medical care and lowered him to safety using a rope system
• Firehouse: Products' 34 ARFF order for the U.S. Air Force and MSA Safety's new SCBA.
• Qualitydigest: Leopard Imaging Introduces DragonFire for Industrial Thermal Imaging High-performance uncooled infrared camera module Mark Hembree Wed, 09/23/2026 - 12:03 Off Quality Digest Off