Ocean City Emergency Responders Embrace Drones as Lifesaving Tools

In New Jersey, Ocean City emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, and beach patrol members, are now turning to drones as a cutting-edge tool to enhance their lifesaving capabilities. With the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the city is embracing drones, which have already proven their worth in other departments across the nation.

Drones Offer Versatile Applications

On Thursday, members of the Fire Department, Beach Patrol, and Police Department reportedly gathered at Richard Grimes Field to undergo training and become certified drone pilots. Deputy Chief Bernie Walker of the Fire Department emphasized the growing popularity of drones in public safety, particularly for search and rescue operations.

Drones can be deployed in various scenarios, such as:

• Surveying areas during structure fires or large HAZMAT spills
• Monitoring fire spread on rooftops before personnel can reach the location
• Searching for missing swimmers on beaches, marshes, and bays
• Scanning large areas quickly and efficiently compared to traditional methods

Training and Certification Process

To ensure the effective use of drones, Ocean City emergency responders are receiving training from Jamieson Allen, a firefighter from the Atlantic City Fire Department who serves as a flight instructor. The goal is to have a sufficient number of certified pilots available on each platoon to respond to emergencies promptly.

Firefighter Allie Rothman, who attended drone flying classes in Atlantic City last fall, assists in instructing fellow firefighters like Dan Boardman. Rothman believes that embracing technology is crucial in keeping up with the evolving world and recognizes the diverse applications of drones in various emergencies.

Beach Patrol’s Aspirations

Although the city’s Beach Patrol currently does not possess its own drone, lieutenants Liam Rennick and Matt DiMarino express their desire to see the department acquire one in the future. Rennick, the first lifeguard to receive drone flight instruction, envisions using drones to assess beach conditions throughout the day and provide “eyes in the sky” for inlet situations and after-hours incidents.

As Ocean City emergency responders adopt drones as a lifesaving tool, they are positioning themselves at the forefront of technological advancements in public safety. By leveraging the versatility and efficiency of drones, firefighters, police officers, and beach patrol members can enhance their ability to protect lives, assist the public, and maintain community safety. With ongoing training and certification efforts, Ocean City is poised to make the most of this innovative technology in the years to come.

Photos courtesy of OCNJDaily.