Santa Fe Standard

On the evening of December 30, 2024, a lost hiker in the Ojo de la Vaca area of Cañoncito prompted a response from local emergency services. The Santa Fe Regional Emergency Communications Center received the call shortly after 5:00 PM. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office initiated the response and sought help from the Santa Fe County Fire Department, which used its advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for the search.

The SFCFD’s UAS program is led by Battalion Chief Salvatore Caputo and Emergency Management Coordinator Ignacio Dominguez. It was developed over the past year to improve fire suppression and search and rescue operations. The department operates three drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras and one-way communication speakers.

Despite initial efforts using this technology, the hiker was not located at first. At 6:06 PM, while continuing their search, SFCFD was dispatched to investigate an illegal burn north of Lamy. Suspecting a connection between the two incidents, they redirected their drone to Lamy.

At 8:24 PM, thermal imaging identified a small fire about a mile from responders' location. Using the drone's speaker system, SFCFD announced their presence and called out for the hiker. The hiker soon emerged and signaled for help.

Responders confirmed the hiker's location and assured them that assistance was coming. Crews then entered the area to provide necessary care and escorted the individual to safety. The hiker was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

This rescue highlights how advanced technology can enhance emergency services and demonstrates effective collaboration among Santa Fe County agencies including RECC, SFCSO, SFCFD, and administrative offices in responding to emergencies.