Thermal imaging, remote sensing and geographic information systems are part of a daily vocabulary for one local company in Jefferson.  RAM Systems, LLC, formed in 1999 by Jill Johnson, has found its niche in wildfire mapping and wildlife and stream surveying.  All of these services are performed by her infrared cameras that are attached to the bottom of helicopters.

Thermal imaging cameras, which offer new technologies that have taken the firefighting world by storm, work by using heat sensory detection, therefore possessing the capability of locating victims trapped by fire and hot spots, which can lead to the source of the fire.

During the summer of 2003, British Columbia had some of the most disastrous fires in recorded history. not having the capabilities to map such extensive and community-threatening fires, the province requested outside help.  The help arrived in the form of RAM Systems' employees and technology which assisted firefighters in understanding and controlling the blaze for over two months.

As a result of their work, RAM has formed positive working relationships with the Canada's forest service with private companies around the country.  This networking has led to the formation of RAM Canada Corp., a joint venture with a Canadian firm that will carry on the work that RAM began last year, as well as place and increased emphasis on the environmental side of thermal imaging.

On August 5th, RAM Systems, LLC was presented with an Export Achievement Award the by the United States Department of Commerce,  recognizing RAM Systems for their work in Canada last summer and their continuing effort to increase sales internationally. 

]Shae Wright accepted the award for Jill Johnson in Portland.  Wright has been working in marketing and sales since February.  "We sell infrared cameras for help in fires.  Although we haven't sold any to law enforcement, they have been used in wildlife surveys in Norway," Wright explained.

The importance of thermal imaging cameras is evident in all fire departments that are using them, and the cameras are being deemed necessities.  Now, the cameras that have saved lives are also making their mark in environmental endeavors.  Kudos to RAM Systems and their innovative use of this technology.