Estherville, IA (northwestiowanow) — The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office has purchased two thermal imaging drones.

Thanks to financial support from the Estherville Chamber of Commerce and the Emmet County Community Foundation, the new drones will assist responders during nighttime operations or other situations where visibility is limited.

According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, drones have become a valuable tool for law enforcement and emergency responders by providing an aerial view that can help personnel locate people or identify hazards that might be difficult to spot from the ground.

The drones will also serve as a community resource and may be available to assist other emergency responders and public-safety agencies when an aerial view is needed.