Capsized boaters on Lake Erie saved by NS-funded emergency device

When a barge capsized on Lake Erie, two boaters found themselves in a life-threatening situation. Their rescue came thanks to a thermal drone funded by a Norfolk Southern Safety First grant awarded to Westshore Council of Governments Technical Rescue Team.

The drone located the stranded boaters, transmitted their coordinates to rescuers, and provided aerial oversight throughout the operation — a dramatic example of the grants’ power.

Real-world impact: The 2024 Safety First grant replaced two aging thermal imaging cameras on the department’s front-line fire engine and ladder truck. The Westshore Council of Governments Technical Rescue Team is a specialized, multi-jurisdictional unit formed through collaboration among six cities in metro Cleveland.

The drone has since become a critical tool in emergency response:

• Firefighting: Its thermal camera identifies hotspots during suppression efforts, helping prevent rekindling and supporting investigations with high-resolution imagery. Thermal capabilities not only aid in rescues but also help prevent fires from reigniting, protecting lives, homes, and businesses.
• Rescue Operations: In a recent cliffside rescue, the drone assessed an elderly victim’s condition and relayed medical data to paramedics, enabling a faster and safer retrieval.