A new drone has flown into the Jackson Fire Department (JFD) and is ready to assist with emergency responses. JFD’s first-ever drone was donated by a local company and will be used by crews for firefighting, investigations, searches, and rescues.
Industrial Steel Treating, a Jackson-based automotive supplier, donated the drone to the fire department last year and covered the cost of training for three firefighters to become licensed drone pilots. Two firefighters from the City of Jackson and one from Summit Township are trained and licensed to use the small aircraft. One of those firefighters, JFD Capt. Shane Green, says these remote-controlled devices equipped with cameras are taking off in the fire service.
“It’s just another tool that helps us do our jobs,” Capt. Green said. “They can be used for firefighting aspects, along with water and ice rescues. The drone can actually detect victims underwater. When looking for missing people with the thermal cameras, you’re able to pick up heat signatures of victims.”
The fire department understands the privacy concerns residents may have about the drone’s usage. “We only fly the drones in emergency situations, so we’re not flying it over houses or anything like that. If there’s an emergency, that drone will be flown in a specific area,” Capt. Green said.
On Aug. 22, 2023, a massive fire ripped through a vacant industrial facility on North Street in Jackson. Capt. Green says considering the size of the fire scene, it was difficult for incident commanders to get a full picture of what was happening. “If we had the drone, we could have thrown it up in about 2 minutes and gotten a full view of the fire. Plus the drone has the capability to find hot spots, “ Capt. Green said.
Tim Levy of Industrial Steel Treating, who donated the drone along with his brother Tom, says the 2023 industrial fire inspired them to take action. “If they would have had this tool during that big fire on North Street, it would have helped the response and kept firefighters safe,” Levy said. “We wanted to show our support for local firefighters and know when there’s a major incident the drone will help the entire community. We’re pleased to be a part of that."
Capt. Green says Jackson firefighters are thankful for the donation and they’re ready to use it at a moment’s notice. “Currently it hasn’t been deployed. We’re trying to make it known that we do have it and it is capable so it can be requested. But any big fire or major incident that happens it will definitely be used,” Capt. Green said.