Gurnee, IL – Residents in Gurnee may soon notice drones in the sky after the Gurnee Police Department officially launched its Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Program on August 22, 2025. The initiative is designed to cut response times, boost safety, and provide officers with real-time intelligence during emergencies.
According to the Gurnee Police Department, the drone has already played a critical role in two cases. In one, it helped officers track down and arrest a hit-and-run DUI driver by providing aerial support. In another, it located a missing autistic child within minutes, guiding rescuers through brush and across railroad tracks.
The program uses the DJI M30T, a public safety drone equipped with a 16x zoom camera, thermal and night vision, and a 40-minute flight time. Unlike traditional police drones, Gurnee’s DFR operates from a secure docking station on top of the Gurnee Fire Department and can launch automatically when an officer selects a location on a digital map.
Video from the drone is streamed live to officers and command staff, giving them crowd size estimates, vehicle descriptions, and hazard information before they arrive. Police said the drone’s ability to operate in rain, snow, and wind makes it a reliable tool during severe weather, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
Deputy Police Chief Jeremy Gaughan called the program “a significant step forward,” adding that the technology will help officers “respond more quickly, operate more safely, and make better-informed decisions.”
The department emphasized that drones will only be used for emergencies such as 911 calls, missing persons, or special events—not for routine patrols. All eighteen operators are FAA Part 107 certified, and policies are in place to ensure accountability and community trust.
