CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recently acquired a drone package to enhance its capabilities in missing person searches, damage assessment and other search and rescue responses thanks to a $20,000 donation from WoodmenLife Insurance.
Chuck Phillips, local member and president of WoodmenLife Chapter 1069, reached out to Montgomery County Emergency Services Director Jimmie Edwards to discuss the need for a drone package. WoodmenLife was founded in 1890 as a not-for-profit life insurance company.
“I was inspired by a story about a drone used by the Murfreesboro EMS to quickly locate a lost child,” Phillips said. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I brought the idea of purchasing a drone for Montgomery County EMA to our members, who unanimously agreed to make the purchase. We feel like if it saves one life, it’s worth every penny.”
Rodney Grimsley, assistant director of Montgomery County EMA said, “Chief Edwards tasked me with overseeing the project, so I reached out to Austin Peay State University’s GIS Project Manager Doug Catellier for his expertise in selecting the specifications. The GIS Center has been instrumental in supporting EMA through weather events and search operations. We are grateful for this asset which will definitely be put to good use for the community.”
The chapter and rescue squad plan to hold a presentation ceremony later in the year. In the meantime, the rescue squad will begin training to use the drone in real-world situations.