SFS saves big bucks installing thermal imaging device

  • Published
  • By Airman Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Base security is a project that is constantly improving at Sheppard. Security forces are at all gates, they have vehicle inspections, K-9 units, patrol cars and much more. 

However, the most recent upgrade in base security will have a great impact and increase in the capabilities of security forces. 

A Wide Surveillance Thermal Imager was installed next to bldg. 2558 adjacent to the flight line. This was a long project and with the coordination between the Security Forces Squadron, the 82nd Communications Squadron and the 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron Sheppard, saved big bucks and improved security. 

"WSTI is significant to securing the flight line. It has a variety of thermal imaging capabilities and covers a wide area. However, this is just the first stage for us," said Maj. William Lowery, commander of the 82nd SFS. 

Several other bases have WSTI and have paid up to $250,000 for installation and project needs. This is where Staff Sgt. Sean Schuyler, the electronic security system non-commissioned officer in charge for the 82nd SFS, helped coordinate with CES and CS to bring the cost of installing WSTI down to about $15,000, saving Sheppard thousands of dollars. 

"Collaboration is the key and this project involved a lot of team players," Sergeant Schuyler said. "Mr. Byron Harps , 82nd SFS installation physical security manager, began the project a year ago and when I came back from my deployment I picked it up from there, however, the this project has really been going on since 2003 when the camera arrived at Sheppard." 

Sergeant Schuyler said that he gained much of his knowledge for the set up of the WSTI from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. With the help from Stephen McLaughlin a contractor with Flir Technologies Incorporate, they designed a fiber optic conversion note from scratch and used the latest fiber optic kit creating a new way of connecting the WSTI. 

Another unique quality about Sheppard's WSTI is when it was installed, the fiber optic cables that were used in the process allowed the imager to be controlled and the surveillance screen to be connected about a mile and a half away from the security forces building. 

"WSTI normally is a tactical deployment camera that can view personnel up to 1,500 meters away and vehicles 3,000 meters away. It was initially made to be controlled from 600 feet, and now we can use it from 200 feet up to 46 miles away," Sergeant Schuyler said. 

Major Lowery said he plans to increase the base security even more by eventually putting these types of cameras in various locations on base. 

"At the end of the day, this makes Sheppard a harder target. WSTI acts as a deterrent and serves an incredible protection to our assets," Major Lowery said.