Atlantic City police have long talked about the “eyes in the sky” when discussing cameras watching over the city.
But a demonstration Tuesday showed the city can get views from even higher.
A drone demonstration at Bader Field simulated how the flying cameras could be used in case of a fire on the water and potential subsequent oil spill.
Two drones were sent up.
The larger one got a 360-degree view of the area and mapped it out, which was show on a screen nearby.
The smaller watches over the larger drone, making sure there is nothing in the way or no issues are encountered.
It also serves as backup in instances that include a battery refill.
The drones can fly for six to eight hours, Fire Chief Scott Evans explained. But the batteries last only about 30 minutes.
It’s a quick-change operation that allows a battery to be added, meaning the unit never powers down while getting a recharge.
The city has had drones since 2019, explained Evans, who also heads the Office of Emergency Management. That’s after he “started lobbying for them in 2015.”
The city has a total of 11 drones varying in price from $3,000 to $30,000, he said.
The drones help with fires showing thermal imaging, heat spots in walls, roofs and fire extensions, Evans explained. Police also have used them to search the marsh or for missing people in the water.
“It’s mostly used for over watch,” he said. “It’s a big critical tool for safety.”
Code Enforcement has drones as well.
Tuesday’s presentation showed collaboration with the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park, or NARTP, and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, both at the center of the area’s evolution as a hub of aviation and air mobility technology and innovation.
“These emergency management exercises help our first-responders to save lives and minimize damage in times of crisis,” NARTP President Howard Kyle said. “And they show our commitment to cutting-edge technology and collaboration.”
Mayor Marty Small made an appearance, announcing that he would be in the next drone training class.
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard also attended, asking questions as they watched the images captured by the drones.
“These exercises are a crucial method to push the boundaries for testing new technologies such as drones in real-life scenarios,” said Todd Wardwell, U.S. Coast Guard port recovery specialist and emergency management planner. “They allow us to adapt and include new technology to make our public safety operations more effective.”
“This exercise is another example of emergency management/first-responder leaders using the latest technology, including drones and unmanned aircraft to increase public safety by accelerating their response, while more importantly, helping enhance their safety,” said David Yoel, CEO of American Aerospace Technologies Inc.
