Vernon's Thermal Imaging Drone Helps Find Lost Horse

STAFFORD/VERNON, CT — A horse lost since Friday was found just before dusk on Saturday with the help of a search party and a drone with thermal imaging capability deployed by the Vernon Emergency Management Department's Aviation Unit.

The horse, a 4-year-old bay-colored standard bred named Midas, went missing late Friday morning in the area near Chaffee Road in Stafford, Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said.

A search party was organized by Stafford Animal Control Officer Gary Wilson with hikers and all-terrain vehicles, but Midas could not be located Friday.

A chilly night, rough and wooded terrain, the possibility of encounters with wildlife and a looming storm system heading to the area were causes for concern overnight and into Saturday, Purcaro said.

The search party included Vernon Assistant Town Administrator Dawn Masalek, who lives in the area, Purcaro said. She mentioned the drone to Wilson and Wilson then contacted Vernon authorities, Purcaro said.

The Aviation Unit of Purcaro and police officers Sgt. Rob Marra and Sgt. Todd Thiel arrived at the scene at about 3 p.m.

Purcaro said the thermal imaging system on the drone was equipped with a special filter designed to pick up body temperature, but the search dragged on for about two hours. With Marra serving as the chief pilot and a group watching a monitor, the efforts were up against dusk and the last two batteries — which translates into about 30 minutes of flight time, Purcaro said.

The horse was finally spotted, resulting in an emotional reunion with its owner.

The Vernon Aviation Unit Covered more than 7 miles of terrain in a grid pattern, Purcaro said

“Credit is due to Sergeant and pilot Marra, whose expert flying allowed us to zero in on the lost horse and bring forth a happy reunion with with its owner," Purcaro said

The drone was flying at about 350 feet when Midas was spotted, Purcaro said.

Photo Credit: Vernon Aviation Unit