ESD #4 looking into implementing drone program within Jasper County
By Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Chief and ESD # 4 Robert Gunter
This morning members of Jasper County Emergency Services District # 4, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and Beech Grove VFD met with Captain Joey Jacobs with the Orange County Sheriff's Office to discuss their drone program and the implementation of a similar program in Jasper County and ESD 4.
Captain Jacobs took the time to explain their program, rules and regulations of drone use from the FAA, pilot licensing, and equipment selection.
Drone technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the last few years. The technology is incredible, utilizing high definition cameras with thermal imaging and telescopic capabilities, high capacity batteries allowing for longer flight times, rapid battery chargers, hot battery swaps, etc. Even the larger drones now have payload capacity!
Drone technology is just another tool in the tool belt, albeit a highly advanced one. The drone technology of today is credited with providing quick deployment capabilities for a 360 visual overhead assessment of a fire or crime scene, in hazardous material situations the ability to quickly locate identifying information on leaking vessels, and searching for lost persons.
Most recently in western Louisiana modern thermal imaging capabilities from a drone is credited with locating and saving the life of a small child…..a search that would have taken hours, if not days, to conduct in the traditional way requiring a multitude of ground resources.
We’re very appreciative of the OCSO and Captain Jacobs for your presentation and advice this morning. The information provided will be quite beneficial as we progress through our implementation of a drone purchase using funding provided by the Jasper Lions Club, Jasper Economic Development Corporation, and ESD 4.
Representing the entities this morning are from left to right, Larry Pulliam who will be Chief Deputy of Jasper County SO under Sheriff-Elect Chuck Havard on January 1st, Ed O'Brien, Chris Lanier, Captain Joey Jacobs, Colton Havard, James Gunter, and Jason Hollyfield.
