ECC to offer drone training course for first responders Nov. 16
Elgin Community College is now offering "Drone 101 for First Responders," a one-day, noncredit course designed for police departments, fire departments and emergency management agencies who are interested in starting a drone program. The course will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at ECC's Center for Emergency Services, 815 E. Plank Road, Burlington.
From assessing the conditions in a burning building to reconstructing crime scenes from a safe distance, drones are a vital asset in any professional public safety agency. The training course will cover industry standards and best practices, legal aspects, potential scenarios that first responders may encounter and established protocols on how to effectively utilize a drone.
Participants will then be trained on a classroom-based drone flight simulator to become familiar with a drone's operations, response and limitations before being grouped into flight teams and given instruction on an actual drone.
"In the ever-complicated world of public safety, police, fire and emergency managers need to utilize every tool possible to protect their communities," said John Fahy, senior director of academic programming & public safety training at ECC's Burlington Campus. "Use of cutting-edge technology like aerial drones are a must for progressive agencies. ECC's new Center for Emergency Services is excited to offer a Drone 101 class for first responders. We encourage public safety officials to attend the course and learn from experts who have experience setting up and operating a drone program within a large municipal police department."
The course is taught by instructors provided through Midwest Aerial Photography, Inc., a company specializing in teaching the basics to public safety agencies looking to start a drone program. Instructors are experienced law enforcement veterans who understand the complexities of today's public safety environment.
For information about the course, contact Senior Director of Academic Programing and Public Safety Training John Fahy at (847) 886-5398. Public safety officials who are interested in registering for Drone 101 for First Responders (CEF 800) can do so online by visiting elgin.edu/ce, selecting "Fall 2017" then "Firefighter" from the drop down menu.