This past weekend, a drone affixed with high-resolution camera equipment hovered over a commercial structure fire, maneuvering around plumes of smoke to capture thermal images from below. Those heat signatures helped emergency officials narrow in on the origin of the fire and better coordinate a plan of attack for firefighters on the ground.

Sampson County Deputy Fire Marshal Joshua Deaver called the process “awesome,” noting its capabilities for more efficient and safer response in the future.

That drone equipped with Mavic Pro DJi camera and FLIR (forward-looking infrared) technology ushered in a new era in response. It was the first time the Fire Marshal’s Office utilized the aerial approach at a large-scale structure fire.

And the drone achieved lift-off through the effort of many.

Thanks to South River Electric Membership Corporation, its customers and South River’s Operation Round Up program, firefighters are safer and properties may be saved in the future. It is one example of how a small donation by many can collectively equate to so much more.

A voluntary program, Round Up enables South River EMC members to round up their electric bill to the next whole dollar, with those pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters going into South River’s Community Assistance Corporation. That CAC fund allows pocket change to amass toward a positive difference in the community.

Local agencies, including first responders, emergency service agencies, schools and others who serve health, safety, educational and recreational needs in South River’s five-county coverage area, including Sampson, are able to apply for annual grants.

Round Up has given millions over the years to local agencies.

The effects are felt across the community, whether in fire stations, classrooms, community centers or elsewhere. The Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office is just one of many, but the positive impact spreads across a large expanse. We are thankful for that mechanism that benefits the community.

The Sampson County Office of Emergency Management has also been the beneficiary of a grant from Four County EMC that will purchase another drone.

It is truly an incredible tool — not just the drone, but that local grant program that makes obtaining new equipment, supplies, tablets, computers and turnout gear possible.

The high-tech drone camera, at a roughly $5,000 cost, has vast capabilities for future response far valuable than its price tag. FLIR cameras use a thermographic camera that senses infrared radiation emitted from a heat source. The ability to use that technology is a boon to local officials. They are not sending firefighters in buildings blind.

Just ask the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office about the benefits.

They’ve used a similar FLIR drone in manhunts and missing persons searches. An alleged gunman was tracked down and apprehended last summer utilizing aerial thermal images.

Deaver said the images captured in the weekend fire offered a glimpse into the future of emergency response, one made possible through the local grant assistance.

“This definitely increases our situational awareness and the safety of everyone involved,” said Deaver.

It also shows the impact one grant, and the value of pennies put to good use.