(New Carlisle IN) - The New Carlisle Fire Department has a new emergency drone.

 

The equipment, valued at over $15,000, features high resolution imaging and thermal technology, giving the department helpful eyes in the sky. The drone will assist crews in pre-planning for emergency events, providing aerial perspectives during fires, supporting search and rescue operations, and improving overall situational awareness during complex incidents.

 

Partial funding for the drone was provided by OmniSource, a scrap metal recycler east of town on Smilax Road. Known as “the Shredder” by locals, it was not too long ago the site of multiple serious fire calls. The site, now under new management, seems to have turned over a new leaf, according to fire department officials, starting with major safety enhancements at the facility. Omni also provides firefighters with vehicles for extrication training and a location onsite for the training.

 

“These efforts reflect a strong commitment to being a responsible and engaged community partner,” the department said in a press release. “The donation of this drone underscores Omni’s dedication to supporting public safety initiatives and strengthening its relationship with the residents and first responders of New Carlisle.”

 

The New Carlisle Fire Department services all of the industrial sites east of town and is hoping to build another fire house in that area as soon as funding can be determined.