A four-year-old boy with autism was reported missing in Sumner County, Tennessee, prompting an extensive search by Sheriff Eric Craddock, along with three dozen others, who traversed steep and rugged terrain covered with fallen leaves. The team employed drones to assist in the search, providing a clear aerial view of the area, and despite the challenging conditions, within 20 minutes, the drones located the child along a creek bank.
Guided by the drone operators, Sheriff Craddock was the first to reach the boy, who was wet and shivering but otherwise unharmed. The Sheriff wrapped the child in his jacket and brought him to EMA Director Ken Weidner and the child’s father. Seeing the father being reunited with his son was a heartwarming moment for everyone involved. The boy was found just one hour after the emergency call, a testament to the effectiveness of the search efforts.
The successful rescue has brought positive attention to Sumner County’s drone program, which has now helped in 15 rescues. Sheriff Craddock praised the program, describing drones as a "force multiplier" capable of covering significantly more ground than searchers on foot. He says he’s grateful for the happy ending to the search and rescue mission and thankful to see the child safely and quickly reunited with his family.
Source: NEWS CHANNEL 5
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