INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Fire Department rescued a police drone from the top of a construction crane Saturday, Sept. 30.
Shortly after 10 a.m., IFD was asked by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for assistance in retrieving a police drone that had become stuck on top of a construction crane. After accepting the request, IFD decided to use the situation as a chance to train responders in what's called "high-angle rope rescue."
According to IFD, high-angle rope rescue training is inherently dangerous, highly technical and equipment-intensive. The rescue procedure is one that requires constant training. IFD said crane rescues are more common than the average person might think.
Under the command of Lt. Ben Roberts and Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians-certified Lt. Erik Baynard, Private Ryan Cundiff served as the primary rescuer.
IFD shut off the power to the crane before two firefighters began the climb. The mast of the crane was reported to be 130 feet high with its articulating jib measuring 160 feet out. According to IFD, the stranded drone was stuck 12 feet from the end of the jib.
Thankfully, wind speeds were reported to be only three miles per hour, meaning the climbers would not have to deal with the danger of high winds.
Climbing was reported to have started at 11:25 a.m. The drone was then recovered at 12:23 p.m. and brought to safety.
Both climbers finished their climb and returned to the ground shortly before 1:30 p.m.
According to IFD, the drone sustained slight damage, but nothing that can't be fixed. The drone is expected to return to service.