Implosion used to test thermal imaging

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - There were lots of spectator’s eyes on the Dome as it went tumbling down. Local police officers used the implosion to test cameras, which can be used to save lives. There were lots of cameras around the Dome capturing the implosion, but one was a thermal imaging camera. This type of camera is used after a disaster to help find victims.

"The first responders...with thermal imaging you can see everything the first responders that might be responding to an event like this to be able to direct the responders appropriately and safely to rescue people is very helpful," said Gary Woodruff from the Lawrence Police Department.

The camera vividly shows the bursts of explosions, but as the Dome came down, you could see other things too.

"In one of the thermal views you see birds flying throughout, flying through the particulate matter shortly after the implosion. So you can absolutely pick out people milling around here after the implosion, the workers there checking everything out or with the regular television camera you may not see that but with thermal you can pick that out pretty readily," Woodruff said.

Since 9/11, more agencies across the country are using thermal imaging cameras. This video will be used to train officers and prepare them if a disaster occurs. The Lawrence Police Department is teaching classes on how to use thermal imaging cameras.