Hampstead Volunteer Fire Co. Gets Upgraded Lifesaving Equipment

New thermal-imaging cameras donated by actor's foundation could make a big difference for firefighters.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Hampstead Volunteer Fire Co. in Maryland has received a grant from the Leary Firefighters Foundation, founded by actor Denis Leary, to purchase new state-of-the-art thermal-imaging cameras. The cameras, which are smaller and more portable than previous models, can help firefighters locate pockets of fire, maintain their bearings in smoke-filled environments, and even spot hidden fires. The department now has 15 cameras that attach to each firefighter's air tank, providing critical "situational awareness" during emergencies.

Why it matters

Volunteer fire departments often lack the funding to purchase the latest lifesaving equipment. This donation from the Leary Firefighters Foundation, founded after a tragic fire that killed Leary's cousin and four other firefighters, helps ensure the Hampstead department has the tools it needs to keep the community safe.

The details

The new thermal-imaging cameras are much smaller and more portable than the larger versions the department had been using. They can show firefighters the exact location of pockets of fire, help them maintain their bearings in smoke-filled buildings, and even detect hidden fires. The cameras also have a recording function and can double as flashlights.

  • The Hampstead Volunteer Fire Co. has been using the new cameras for about 6 months.
  • The department received the nearly $20,000 grant from the Leary Firefighters Foundation in 2026.

The players

Hampstead Volunteer Fire Co.

A volunteer fire department in Carroll County, Maryland.

Leary Firefighters Foundation

A foundation started by actor Denis Leary after he lost his childhood cousin, best friend, and four firefighters in a fire in Worcester, Massachusetts. The foundation provides grants to help equip volunteer fire departments with lifesaving equipment.

Denis Leary

An American actor, comedian, writer, and producer who founded the Leary Firefighters Foundation.

Mark Shaefer

A firefighter and EMT at the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Co.

Rob Kemp

The assistant fire chief of the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Co.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've been using them for about six months now, and they have been very helpful.”

— Mark Shaefer, Firefighter and EMT (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“It takes up a lot less space and can show you the exact same area. It's also equipped with a record function, and it turns into a flashlight.”

— Mark Shaefer, Firefighter and EMT (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“There is no doubt it saves lives.”

— Rob Kemp, Assistant Fire Chief (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“It's considered a situational awareness camera because when you go into a smoke-filled environment, you have zero, maybe a little bit of visibility. So, if you had a wall that had fire in it, it will show hotter. But it will let you find exits, windows, doors that you would not normally be able to see should you need to get out in a hurry.”

— Rob Kemp, Assistant Fire Chief (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“In my case, I've used one on a building fire. Inside the building was a trailer, and inside the trailer, the fire had creeped up the wall of the trailer. We were able to use the camera to see the fire inside the trailer. Otherwise, we would not have even known that trailer was on fire.”

— Mark Shaefer, Firefighter and EMT (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The department plans to continue using the new thermal-imaging cameras to improve firefighter safety and effectiveness during emergency calls.

The takeaway

This donation from the Leary Firefighters Foundation highlights the critical need for volunteer fire departments to have access to the latest lifesaving equipment. The new cameras will make a real difference for the Hampstead firefighters as they work to protect their community.