Sheriff's Aviation Unit Uses Thermal Imaging to Rescue Missing Autistic 5-Year-Old in Tampa Swamp

On a recent evening near Tampa, a missing 5-year-old girl who had wandered into a swamp was successfully located with the help of thermal imaging technology. The girl, who is autistic, went missing from her home and was quickly reported as such by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

Utilizing Thermal Imaging Technology

The sheriff's aviation unit used thermal imaging to guide deputies on the ground to the location of the little girl. Thermal camera footage showed the girl walking through ankle-deep water, enabling the deputies to pinpoint her location accurately.

Efficient Contact and Rescue

Thanks to the thermal imaging technology, a deputy in the helicopter was able to guide ground deputies to the girl's precise location. With guidance from the deputy in the helicopter, the ground deputies were able to call the girl's name and successfully make contact with her. The heartwarming moment was captured on a body camera, showing the deputy reassuring the girl and safely carrying her out of the water and back through the woods.