Kilgore Fire Department’s thermal imaging drone locates missing elderly woman in Rusk County

RUSK COUNTY — A Kilgore Fire Department thermal imaging drone helped locate an elderly woman reported to have Alzheimer’s disease Wednesday, Nov. 4, after she walked away from a residence in northern Rusk County. Emergency responders arrived in the area of County Roads 2126 and 2126A at approximately 2 p.m. The woman had been missing for approximately 1½ to two hours, according to the Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department. Concerns about her mental status and safety prompted crews to immediately begin search and rescue operations. Kilgore firefighters responded to assist the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and Elderville-Lakeport personnel. Kilgore Fire Marshal Terry Linder deployed the department’s drone to supplement the efforts of deputies and firefighters searching on the ground. After approximately 90 minutes of searching, Linder located the woman at an oil lease site about three-quarters of a mile from the residence.

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