Kankakee, IL – A missing person in rural Kankakee County was safely located Monday night, thanks to the use of a sheriff’s department drone equipped with thermal-imaging technology.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on October 20, 2025, to a report of a missing individual with developmental challenges. With daylight fading, deputies coordinated an immediate search effort and deployed an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capable of detecting heat signatures.
Using the drone’s infrared capabilities, deputies located the individual near several outbuildings on private property. The person was found unharmed and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Sheriff Mike Downey praised the quick response, stating that the operation highlighted the department’s dedication to community safety and the benefits of modern technology. “The use of our drone equipped with thermal-imaging technology proved invaluable in quickly locating the individual and ensuring a safe outcome,” Downey said. “This is another example of how investing in modern technology enhances our ability to serve and protect the residents of Kankakee County.”
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the rapid success of the search demonstrates the continued value of drone technology in rural emergency response situations.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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