Heroic Drone Rescues Missing Toddler in Vermont

In northern Vermont, a 2-year-old boy went missing, sparking immediate concern. The child disappeared from Creager Road in Montgomery on Monday night.

His worried family believed he “had walked away from their home and possibly gone into the woods,” initiating a frantic search when they couldn't locate him.

State Police jumped into action, joining hands with Swanton Village police. Not only did the latter bring in their K9 unit, but the state police also called upon their Unmanned Aircraft Systems Team and Search and Rescue Team. The Montgomery Fire Department wasn't far behind, sending units to scour the area.

The turning point came when the drone team leaped into action. Shortly after takeoff, the drone's pilot “was able to identify a heat signature in the woods nearby.” Thanks to this vital clue, state troopers honed in on the location, reuniting the missing toddler with his family.

State police reportedly confirmed that the child was given a health check and then joyfully returned to his parents. A heartwarming end to a night filled with anxiety. The event's details remain under wraps, but the quick resolution highlights the value of teamwork and thermal Drone Technology.

The Vermont State Police Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

While we do not have any information on the exact drone model used during this rescue, the Vermont State Police seem to have access to various DJI drones, including the DJI Matrice and Mavic 2 series.

On the Vermont Government website, it says that the Vermont State Police Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program is comprised of 13 troopers who have obtained Part 107 Certification as remote pilots through the Federal Aviation Administration.

The drone program was started in 2019, and is mostly used to respond to floods, conduct storm damage assessments, take part in search and rescue operations on land and water, assist in crash reconstruction, and respond to crime scenes, hazardous material incidents, Bomb Squad responses, and other tactical operations.

The State Police Drones are strategically stationed throughout the state and ready to be deployed at a moment's notice.

You can read more stories about how uncrewed aircraft, including thermal drones often play crucial roles during Search and Rescue efforts here on DroneXL.