Shrewsbury Police, Fire Practice Ice-Rescue Training With New Drone Unit

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury and Worcester first responders worked together on Thursday to learn and practice how to conduct ice rescues in the event of an emergency.

The Shrewsbury Police and Fire Departments conducted the training alongside the Worcester EMS Department. Shrewsbury first responders said training with EMS and other law enforcement agencies helps to demonstrate how they can best assist and strengthen coordination, communication and response times.

The Shrewsbury Police Department's newly developed drone unit also participated in the training. The drone unit was able to deliver important information on locating someone trapped in the ice by using a thermal camera. Police said that the drone can also help by mapping a victim's coordinates and hovering above them.

Shrewsbury police said drone footage can be important if a victim goes under the ice, helping establish a last seen point. The drone's thermal camera can also be a good tool for locating victims in water or on ice at night.

The training comes less than a year after a man was rescued from the freezing waters of Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury. On Mar. 20, 2025, Shrewsbury police and fire crews, along with Worcester EMS, worked together to rescue the man who was struggling to stay afloat.

Other Worcester County first responders conducted a major ice rescue last year as well. A group of first responders from Athol, Phillipston and Templeton helped rescue two adults who fell through the ice on Queen Lake in Phillipston in February 2025.

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