A Kilgore Fire Department thermal imaging drone helped find an elderly woman who has Alzheimer's disease on Wednesday, Nov. 4. She had walked away from a residence in northern Rusk County. Emergency responders arrived near County Roads 2126 and 2126A at about 2 p.m.
Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department said the woman had been missing for about 1½ to two hours. Concerns about her mental state and safety led crews to begin a search right away. Kilgore firefighters went to help the Rusk County Sheriff's Office and Elderville-Lakeport personnel. Kilgore Fire Marshal Terry Linder flew the drone to support deputies and firefighters searching on foot.
After about 90 minutes, Linder found the woman at an oil lease site about three-quarters of a mile from the residence. Deputies reached her and took her to an ambulance nearby. Christus EMS evaluated her and transported her for medical treatment, according to the Kilgore Fire Department. Elderville-Lakeport officials said the thermal imaging equipment helped crews search a large area and spot heat signatures.