Thermal Imaging Drone Rescues 3-Year-Old Lost in Cornfield

A missing 3-year-old child was safely located in a 100-acre cornfield thanks to the use of a thermal imaging drone in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. The incident, which occurred on August 25, showcased the critical role of drone technology in emergency response situations, as reported by TMJ4.

Urgent Search Operation

Deputies responded to a call about a missing child in the Town of Alto. The parents reported that their 3-year-old had wandered into the vast cornfield behind their house on Marshview Road. The child was last seen around 7:30 p.m., and initial searches of the property’s buildings yielded no results.

With darkness approaching, the Alto Fire Department was called in to assist. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the sheriff’s office requested additional support from the Fond du Lac Police Department’s Technology Response Group, which possesses specialized drones equipped with thermal cameras.

Thermal Drone Technology Saves the Day

At approximately 9:30 p.m., the thermal imaging drone detected a heat source in the middle of the cornfield. This crucial information allowed deputies and fire personnel to navigate the dense field efficiently. By 9:46 p.m., they had located the child, who was found uninjured about half a mile from home.

Lt. Alex Volm of the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the importance of the drone technology, stating, “He said he’d been chasing a cat into the cornfield. So, a harmless thing, you know, but it could have turned out really bad had we not had the opportunity to use our tools and collaborate with our law enforcement partners.”

Swift Reunion and Emotional Rescue

The child was safely carried out of the cornfield and reunited with their parents. The emotional moment of rescue was captured as first responders comforted the child, saying, “We’re right here buddy, we’re right here for ya. You’re safe now. You’re alright. We’re going to go back and we’re going to find your mom, okay?”

DroneXL’s Take

This incident underscores the growing importance of drones in search and rescue operations. As we’ve seen in recent search and rescue articles on DroneXL, thermal imaging drones are becoming invaluable tools for first responders. Their ability to cover large areas quickly and detect heat signatures can dramatically reduce search times in critical situations like this one. As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more life-saving applications in the future.

What are your thoughts on the use of drones in search and rescue operations? Share your opinions in the comments section below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Photo courtesy of Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office