It never hurts to have a different viewpoint when an emergency hits. This is the philosophy that East Orange is banking on as it rolls out its new drone-powered defense program. City officials recently announced that East Orange will be using drones as part of a “first line of defense” during local police and fire emergencies.
The drones – which can fly as high as 400 feet – will act as an extra set of “eyes” that can help to create an initial plan of attack during critical incidents, Department of Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd said. The drones provide real-time aerial views of emergency scenes, allowing command teams to assess hazards and make faster, safer decisions. In addition, thermal imaging cameras equipped on drones can locate trapped victims or detect hotspots invisible to the naked eye.
The new initiative was made possible through funds acquired from asset forfeitures. Currently, about a dozen public safety personnel have achieved certification as FAA drone operators under the Part 107 Licensing Program, city officials said.
Boyd said the plan is to integrate drone operation as a routine practice in both police and fire response efforts. Having access to information ahead of arrival on the scene will very likely spare time, reduce injuries and save lives, he added. “This represents the future of public safety, and East Orange is proud to be among the cities leading the way,” Boyd said. Fire Chief André Williams said the use of drones can open up an entirely new perspective on firefighting.
