EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND) — The Effingham Fire Department has expanded its drone program, adding new life-saving technology designed to respond faster and more effectively to emergencies on land and water.
Firefighter and drone operator AJ Tackett said the department has invested heavily in the program over the past two years, building on its capabilities as technology evolves.
“We’ve been pretty fortunate in the last couple of years that we’ve invested a lot of money in our drone program, getting guys trained and getting the best that we can,” Tackett said.
The department operates a drone equipped with thermal imaging, a loudspeaker, and a spotlight. Tackett, who has been with the department for 17 years, said those features have already proven valuable during emergency calls.
The latest addition is a dual-drop device, which allows crews to remotely release life-saving equipment from the air.
“So most recently we’ve adapted a dual drop capability,” Tackett explained. “It’s attached to our drone, and we can remotely drop a life vest, safety rope, or a medical supply.”
The system also includes inflatable rescue tubes that automatically deploy once they hit the water.
Effingham is surrounded by several ponds, rivers and Lake Sara. Tackett said that making water rescues a real concern, especially during winter months when ice can be unpredictable.
“With the winter freeze that we just came out of, the biggest fear is somebody or an animal falling through the ice, and then somebody goes after that animal,” Tackett said.
Beyond water rescues, the drone’s thermal capabilities assist law enforcement in search efforts and can help firefighters quickly assess scenes from above. Tackett said the drone can be deployed in under three minutes. That speed allows crews to cover a large area far faster than ground teams.
“You can cover so much territory so fast versus sending a ground crew out on foot,” Tackett added.
Currently, four members of the department hold their FAA Part 107 pilot certification, with more firefighters in training. The goal is to ensure a licensed operator is always available, no matter the shift. Tackett said keeping up with new technology ultimately benefits the entire community.
“Everybody wins if we have the best stuff and know how to use it,” he said.
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