Stanton County Emergency Management Adds New Thermal Drone to Enhance Emergency Response

Stanton County Emergency Management Adds New Thermal Drone to Enhance Emergency Response

Stanton, NE — Stanton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has added a powerful new tool to its emergency response capabilities with the recent purchase of a DJI Matrice 350 RTK Thermal Drone. The drone was fully funded through a grant awarded by the Gardner Foundation.

The Matrice 350 RTK is equipped with a high-performance camera system that provides enhanced imaging during both daytime and nighttime operations. It offers longer flight times and a thermal sensor capable of detecting heat signatures, making it a valuable asset during search and rescue missions, fire scene overwatch, and law enforcement operations.

"This drone takes our response capabilities to a whole new level," said Stanton County Emergency Manager Mike Frohberg. "We can now operate more effectively in challenging conditions and provide real-time aerial views to support emergency personnel on the ground."

The new drone is also weather-resistant, allowing it to function in inclement weather—an essential feature for operations during Nebraska’s severe storm seasons. One of the most notable capabilities of the drone is its ability to live-stream video footage directly to the National Weather Service and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, or other Emergency Operations Centers. This allows for more coordinated response during major incidents, including weather-related emergencies or hazmat scenes. 

The purchase reflects Stanton County’s ongoing commitment to utilizing advanced technology to improve public safety, not only within the county but across the broader Northeast Nebraska region and, if needed, a statewide response. 

The Gardner Foundation’s support made this acquisition possible, continuing its long-standing mission of supporting community-focused initiatives that enhance safety and quality of life.

For more information, contact the Stanton County Emergency Management Agency