Basic Public Safety Drone Pilot Class 22-012
Congratulations to Alan Boyd on completion of Basic Public Safety Drone Pilot Class 22-012. Alan was in attendance at the SCCJA representing Florence Regional Airport DPS. Alan also serves as Battalion Chief of Operational Readiness within FMDART and we are excited for him to share his new knowledge in drone operations. The course was hosted by the SC Public Safety Drone Pilot Association.
Mobilization Award for Kentucky Tornado Response
Congratulations to Assistant Chief Frank Duda on being awarded our department’s first Mobilization Device for out of state deployment. Chief Duda was instrumental in planning, coordinating, and executing our first out of state deployment to Kentucky. We are also thankful to the other agencies, nonprofits, and citizens that provided much needed supplies, toys, food, and water to those victims. While in Kentucky, Chief Duda further strengthened relationships with out-of-state agencies and also federal agencies so we can continue to answer the call for service. Thank you Assistant Chief Duda, we are thankful for your commitment, knowledge, and dedication to ensure FMDART is ready to answer the call! Pictured: Assistant Chief Duda’s Humanitarian Service Award with Hurricane Deployment Device and Mobilization Device
Enhancement of Drone Capabilities
Purchase of 2 DJI Mavic 2 Drones to FMDART. Our intention is for deployment to any requesting agency to help provide aerial views for their incident.
How Drones Assist in Disaster Response
Drones can easily fly over obstacles and hazards, immediately gain the power of perspective, and begin deploying care.
An aerial angle can help guide ground teams, facilitate communications, and synchronize rescue efforts.
Rapid 2D and 3D modeling of affected areas can produce actionable maps to guide relief efforts. FMDART has the capabilities of using www.dronedeploy.com for mapping solutions
Drone Night Training
Volunteers completed night time training that will allow drone operators to become familiar with night time operations. This would allow the operator to view emergency strobes, flares, or beacons from the air for search and rescue. The addition of thermal imaging further enhances capabilities to locate victims.
2021 Western Kentucky Tornado Deployment
FMDART deployed to Mayfield Kentucky shortly before Christmas. There was a a need for additional supplies as well as gifts before Christmas. The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department hosted a Toy Drive. We were able to deliver over 500 toys in addition to food and water for displaced victims.
Community Service
We love to support our local community. Shortly after the Christmas parade on James Island, Rescue 1 was in the area of a downed tree in the roadway. Charleston County SO was already on scene before our arrival. Our volunteers worked to clear the roadway with Charleston FD.
Emergency Driver Training
FMDART volunteers participated in nighttime driving training. Our M1079 offers high water and off-road capabilities that allows drivers to expand the reach of our rescue efforts. The rear box can be configured to seat rescue victims or convert to a command post for first responders.
DRASH Unit Deployment
FMDART's DRASH UNIT was utilized as a remote classroom for an exercise. Temperatures were in the 90's while inside it was a cool 70 degrees.
Tornado Damage Assessment
FMDART volunteers where on scene accessing tornado damage in the Port Royal Area.
FMDART to Europe
Over Christmas break, Operational Readiness Battalion Chief Alan Boyd enjoyed a trip through Germany and the Netherlands where he spent time with local firefighters discussing training, incident command, and tactics. Alan was also named Honorary Public Safety Diver.
FMDART works with CMPD Aviation Unit
The FMDART team wants to recognize SGT Kenneth Anderson, Ofc. Dylan Ebert, and the members of the @CMPD Aviation Unit in Charlotte for their ongoing commitment to excellence and service to the residents of Mecklenburg County and beyond.
11/26/2019
Thank you President Trump
We sent President Trump our first production patch as well as a short letter outlining our organization. We love our mail calls and this was a great surprise.
November 13, 2019
FMDART Leverages the Latest Technology
FMDART leadership attended a capabilities demonstration to learn how Ciena and Comcast can help us establish and maintain mobile networks within disaster impacted areas. This technology is being incorporated into our new incident command trailer to provide stand alone communications capability for our teams.