News

City of Boyne City's Police Department 

A recent Community Priorities grant to the City of Boyne City's Police Department helped them to purchase drones for use in the line of duty. C3F Community Grantmaking staffer, Ashley Cousens, recently enjoyed attending part of the collaborative drone training held in Boyne City, put on by the BC Police Department and the Michigan Public Safety Drone Association. The training included officers from several departments including the Sheriff's Department, the DNR, and others. Officers shared how the drones have already come in handy for helping to fight a fire - by locating the source of the blaze with the infrared technology, they were able to save more of the structure that was burning. The training simulations included a fire on a boat in Lake Charlevoix as well as a search and rescue operation for a missing teenage paddle boarder. These two scenarios helped officers to learn about the various features and capabilities of the drones while providing them opportunities to practice and learn together in community. Often these various departments have to help each other out and collaborate, and this technology is making it easier for them to help people in our community. It's truly amazing what these drones can see and do!