- June 17, 2024
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A construction fire erupted on the Dunlawton Bridge on Feb. 4. Who knew a drone could help direct firefighters to the flame?
Officer Michael Uleski is a revolutionary in the Unmanned Aerial Systems Industry and has been implementing the use of drones in public safety systems across the world. He has been working full time with the department since 2011, and in 2016 he developed a UAS program specifically for Daytona Beach Shores. Since October 2018, Uleski stepped down to a Reserve Officer with the department so he could focus more on drone education around the world.
Once Uleski arrived at the Dunlawton bridge fire, he deployed a DJI Inspire 1 outfitted with a FLIR thermal imaging camera.
“Having a thermal camera on the bird allows [the firefighters] to see the heat, and where the water streams are going,” Uleski said.
The fire was difficult to extinguish because it occurred underneath the bridge concealed by the tarps, which were being used to catch debris resulting from sandblasting. Uleski was able to point the thermal camera upward to get a good look at the underside of the bridge. The thermal capability of the camera allowed Uleski to relay where the heat was coming from, and if the water streams were making an effect on the fire.
Uleski gave some other examples to how drones can be used in the public safety sector. For example, he said, “we were able to deliver a cell phone charger in a hostage situation.”
He also deployed a drone last March to search for a missing kayaker. “In water search and rescues, the human chain method will usually be used to find missing persons," he said. "Using a drone, we can scan a half mile in seconds and see all the way to the bottom.”
To meet the rising demand for drones in public safety, Uleski is training seven more certified drone pilots, which will allow the department to have at least one operator working all the time.
Port Orange Fire Chief Ken Furstin has asked to get a drone for the Port Orange Fire Department, but he said they had trouble getting past the licensing and certification.
Through the mutual aid agreement between Daytona Beach Shores and Port Orange, the Port Orange Fire Department will have access to drones from Daytona Beach Shores, depending on availability.
“In Port Orange, our priorities have been in other areas," Uleski said. "Maybe in the next couple years we will reprioritize. We will try to do what’s best for our community within our budget."
