LAC LA BICHE - Drones will soon give local community peace officers and firefighters an extra pair of eyes in the sky.
Recently, six members of Lac La Biche County Protective Services staff – three community peace officers and three firefighters – received intensive instruction in the safe operation of drones, particularly how to use them while on the job.
Chris Clark, director of the Law Enforcement Training Program for Enforcement Services, confirmed as soon as peace officers become fully certified, they will be using large DJI M30T drones as well as smaller models for various purposes, including assisting RCMP and fire services during search and rescue operations, and providing overviews of emergency situations.
“Drones are extremely beneficial as they can be deployed in a timely manner,” Clark stated, adding that these remotely-piloted aerial vehicles have many practical applications. “During disasters, they can be utilized to view damage or give an accurate image of evacuation zones. Furthermore, drones are a great tool for police to track down a suspect, or access areas that are difficult to reach by foot or vehicle.”
In addition to learning the finer points of safe and professional drone piloting, the six trainees were also required to absorb a considerable amount of technical knowledge during the 40-hour certification course, including pre-flight checklists, flight plans, and communicating with nearby aircraft, all of which must be done before a peace officer or firefighter is given the go-ahead to launch their drone.
Law and order
Furthermore, the candidates also studied federal laws pertaining to drone use, conducted searches, and learned how to properly clear buildings.
While much of the learning was done on-site at the Lac La Biche County's Protective Services building, the candidates also could be seen around the community, putting the theory they had learned into practice, including participating in night flying operations, some of which lasted until 2:30 a.m.
Once the certifications are complete, the first 'on-duty' drone flights will hit the skies over the municipality.
“Once they become operational, the drones will be a great tool for our staff to better protect our residents," said Clark.
Flight support
More than two years ago, Lac La Biche County council allotted $30,000, one large drone and four smaller ones to the training initiative .
John Kokotilo, regional fire chief and manager of Lac La Biche Protective Services, says the drones will be a highly effective tool for firefighters while carrying out their duties.
“Say, for instance, there are windy conditions that make fighting a wildfire very challenging. Drones will provide excellent aerial visuals of the fire and help us to determine what resources we need to use,” he told Lakeland This Week. “Also, in emergencies or natural disasters, we will be able to locate missing persons and those who’ve been injured and get to them faster. They are going to be extremely helpful for us, that’s for certain."
The drone project is a partnership between the municipality and Ontario–based Volatus Aerospace Corporation.
“They are experts in this area and also have been working with us over the last couple of years with developing our program and the standards we are following,” Clark explained.
