Search Ends Safely With Air Support

When a call for help came from a couple with a one-year-old child lost in Rouge National Park, 42 Division officers called in air support backup.

“It was very dark and freezing, and the bush was extremely dense,” said Constable Erik Skrepnek of 42 Division, of the November call for help. “I was very concerned for their safety and well-being, especially the young child.”

The 9-1-1 calltaker advised the family to use the what3words app, which allowed officers to narrow the search to a precise location within the large park.

The Ontario Provincial Police helicopter was dispatched to help in the search and quickly located the missing hikers. Using a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), commonly referred to as a drone, a Toronto Police Emergency Management & Public Order drone operator were able to get close to the family using live aerial footage and thermal technology to make sure they were okay.

“I put the strobe light on them so they would know we were there,” said Constable Dave Donaldson. They helped guide the 42 Division officers to the location to meet up with the family quickly.

“They were extremely grateful to see us.”

The drones are used commonly to help find missing people, giving police the ability to cover more ground comprehensively and quickly.