An existing program to donate thermal imaging cameras to fire departments has gotten a shot in the arm from an Atlanta businessman.

After watching the documentary "Into the Fire", Atlanta real estate mogul Frank Buonanotte was so inspired that he donated several thermal imaging camera to departments that could not afford them. But, the philanthropist said he wanted to do more, and last year began asking friends and colleagues to give up one months' worth of dining out, $500, to help buy more TICs. Many gave more; some donated enough to buy a TIC, Buonanotte said.

Buonanotte established a not-for-profit organization, 500 For Life, to collect and dispense the donations. Buonanotte pays for all of the organization's operating expenses so that all of the donated money goes to buying TICs. In January, he joined forces with Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Fireman's Fund created the Heritage program in 2004 and has since funneled more than $14 million in grants to 450 fire organizations and fire departments. Part of that program provides TICs to fire departments; the Heritage program has already awarded more than $1 million to buy 150 TICs. Fireman's Fund also produced "Into the Fire" and uses proceeds from its DVD sales to help fund its grants. The partnership meant that 500 For Life could work through Fireman's Fund's infrastructure of collecting and assessing grant applications. It also meant a serious cash infusion into the Heritage program.

Bounanotte's solicitations generated more than $120,000, which he used to buy 10 TICs that he gave away to fire departments during the International Association of Fire Chief's Fire-Rescue International show in August in Atlanta.

Frank has been like a five-year-old kid on Christmas Eve waiting for this day to come, said Brad Harvey, thermal imaging product manager for Bullard. Bullard sells its TICs to the Heritage program at five for the price of four, he said. The retail value of the TICs donated at FRI was $13,000 each.

"Our mission will only be complete when each fire department has the thermal imaging cameras it needs," Buonanotte said.

The 10 departments awarded free TICs were:

• Roswell (Ga.) Fire Department
• Clayton (Ga.) Volunteer Fire Department
• Hall County (Ga.) Fire Services
• Henry County (Ga.) Fire Department
• Flint Hill (Ga.) Fire Department
• City of Gray (Ga.) Fire Department
• McLewis (Texas) Volunteer Fire Department
• Potosi (Texas) Volunteer Fire Department
• Baker (Ore.) Rural Fire Protection District
• Crockery Township (Mich.) Fire Department