Lemont Emergency Management Agency Debuts New Drone

LEMONT, IL — The Lemont Emergency Management Agency has a new tool to help aid in the services they provide to the people of Lemont. In the past month, the agency has received its first drone, which will be used for damage assessment, to see flooding, or to use as a tool for crowd control at village events.

LEMA Director Tom Ballard is currently the only one at the agency who has a license to operate the drone. Ballard recently received his FAA Part 107 Drone License. Ballard said he studied for about six weeks for the test, which was 60 questions and which required a 70 percent to pass.

To pass the test, Ballard had to learn about FAA rules and regulations and about airspace rules. He said the drone has a radius of up to 3 miles, but you should always keep the drone in your sight line while piloting.

The Lemont Police Department, Lemont Fire Protection District and other agencies could request to use the drone, but it is owned by LEMA. Ballard would still be the one to operate the drone, however, since no one else is licensed.

The drone has a 4k camera, a spotlight and a speaker that can be used to broadcast sound or announcements.

The agency has already used the drone to see and show flooding damage and an overflowed creek earlier this month. Next, Ballard said he plans to use the drone at the Independence Day fireworks on July 3 for crowd control, to view the parking situation and to take some pictures.

The agency's plan to purchase a drone has been in the works for several months, and Ballard is excited to see what the drone can do for LEMA.

"It's a useful tool," he said, adding that it will be a big help to the agency.

LEMA Seeking Volunteers

The Lemont Emergency Management Agency is currently conducting an open enrollment period for new members. LEMA is responsible for coordinating and supporting all emergency preparedness and response activities during a disaster or local emergency for the Village of Lemont; providing weather spotters during severe weather events; assisting during special events in the village; and educating the public about emergency preparedness and Homeland Security procedures.

Persons interested in assisting the Lemont community are asked to either stop by the Lemont Police Department, located at 14600 127th St., or go to www.lemont.il.us click on the Police Department tab, then LEMA and scroll down for application. Applicants must be: 18 years or older with a good driving record, be able to successfully pass a basic background check, be able to pass a physical and drug screen, and be able to commit to a minimum of ten hours of volunteer service per month. Applicants who have experience in, or have an interest in, radio communications, or being a Part 107 Pilot for UAS/Drone a plus.