Missing Person Located With Help Of Guilford Fire Department Drone: FD

GUILFORD, CT — A missing person was recently found with the help of drone technology deployed by the Guilford Fire Department, according to fire officials.

Assistant Guilford Fire Chief Jim Considine told Patch the incident occurred on May 12 at 2:51 p.m.

In assisting local law enforcement agencies in a search operation involving a missing person in the Guilford/North Branford area, Guilford firefighter/paramedic and drone pilot, John Planas, launched the GFD's advanced drone technology.

Using thermal imaging and enhanced AI identification capabilities, the drone quickly detected a heat signature in a heavily wooded area, the GFD said in a news release.

"Planas was able to pinpoint the individual’s exact location, activate the drone’s laser marking system, and transmit precise GPS coordinates to ground crews, guiding them safely and directly to the missing person," the GFD said. "This incident highlights the growing importance of drone technology in modern emergency response operations."

The department noted that specially equipped safety drones give first responders the ability to rapidly search large areas, wooded terrain, shorelines, and difficult-to-access locations while improving responder safety and reducing search times.

"The Guilford Fire Department continues to invest in training and technology that strengthens its ability to protect the community during emergencies," the GFD said. "Drone operations have become an important tool for search and rescue missions, fire scene assessment, hazardous conditions monitoring, and large-scale incident management."

The GFD thanked all responding agencies involved in the search effort.