Thermal Technology finds missing person
At approximately 2034 hours, the PMFD Drone Unit was dispatched to Wind Gap following a report of a missing person with dementia, who had been missing for roughly two hours
By Palmer Municipal Fire Department
March 4, 2025
Upon arrival, Deputy Chief Sobieski and Drone Captain Grube quickly established a command center to assist with coordination of the search efforts.
Despite near-freezing temperatures, the Drone Unit immediately began searching the wooded area where the missing person was believed to have traveled. Approximately 40 minutes into the operation, Drone Pilots Goldstein and Little detected a heat signature. Captain Grube, monitoring the drone’s livestream, observed movement and identified someone waving their arms. This information allowed Deputy Chief Sobieski to be directed to the location, and additional resources were quickly deployed. The individual, though disoriented, was found in stable condition.
The success of the operation highlights the effective use of drone technology, our specialized training in understanding the behaviors of missing persons, and the teamwork displayed by the Drone Unit, and all units that responded to this incident.
PMFD Members on Scene Pilot – Paul Little Pilot - Evan Goldstein CaptainPilot – Kris Grube Deputy Chief - Ken Sobieski
Departments On Scene Slate Belt Regional Police Bushkill Police Cetronia EMS Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder Wind Gap Fire Plainfield Fire Washington Fire North Bangor Fire Bushkill Fire Palmer Fire
