The Utica Fire Protection District has a new drone and four dual band radios. The drone can fly for 55 minutes and carries a thermal camera to help fire fighters get an overhead view of rescue scenes and look for missing people. Fire Chief Ben Brown says that’ll be a time saver.
The department’s new radios will help with search and rescue work at Starved Rock State Park. Communication with all the hills and trees in the way is a challenge. The radios provide access to multiple frequencies to get through.
A $59,212 grant announced by St. Sen. Sue Rezin paid for the equipment.
Photo provided by St. Sen. Sue Rezin’s office of a drone the Utica Fire Protection District bought with a state grant.