Wrightstown Police Seek Community Funding for Lifesaving Drone

Police and Fire Departments Unite in Drone Fundraising Efforts

In Wrightstown, Wisconsin, local authorities are reaching out to the community to help fund a new drone that could be a game-changer in public safety. The multipurpose drone, priced at around $14,000, is intended for shared use between the fire and Police departments. This initiative underlines a growing trend where technology meets law enforcement and emergency services to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

A Versatile Tool for Rapid Response

Chief Greg Deike of the Wrightstown Police Department reportedly emphasized the critical role the drone would play, particularly in locating missing persons.

“Some people who go missing may have medical problems, and they need to get their medications as soon as possible. It could be a missing child, and the longer it takes for us to locate them, the further away a child could be,” explained Chief Deike.

This urgency showcases the drone’s potential to significantly speed up Search and Rescue operations.

Drones aren’t just for searching; they’re also incredibly effective in assessing threats and identifying hot spots in fires. This versatility makes them an indispensable asset in diverse emergency scenarios.

Drone Success Stories from Neighboring Counties

The push for Drone Technology in Wrightstown is inspired by positive outcomes observed in Outagamie County. The county’s sheriff’s office has a fleet of 10 drones that have been pivotal in enhancing community safety.

Captain Nathan Borman of the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office shared, “It’s one of those tools that so rapidly expedites our response to situations, and it simply saves lives. We’ve lost count of how many lives we’ve saved as a result of our drone program.”

These testimonials highlight the profound impact that such technology can have on law enforcement and emergency responses.

Community Involvement is Key

Despite the clear benefits, the acquisition of this drone hinges on community support. The Wrightstown Police Department has partnered with the nonprofit All American Garage to manage the fundraising efforts.

Chief Deike stresses the importance of community-backed resources: “My job for the police department, our fire department personnel, and EMS is to give our community peace of mind to know that if something happens, we are ready, able, and equipped to go ahead and resolve these situations quickly.”

A Call for Support

The introduction of a drone could drastically improve the effectiveness of Wrightstown’s emergency services. By funding this technology, the community not only enhances its own safety but also supports the broader mission of First Responders to protect and serve with greater efficiency. The initiative reflects a crucial step towards incorporating advanced technology in routine safety operations, and it calls for communal participation to turn this potential into reality.

Photos courtesy of wearegreenbay.com