MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — First responders in Middletown are getting schooled by school kids, and they’re welcoming the opportunity.
When summer arrives Paul Pelletier, an aerospace teacher at Middletown Public Schools, invites first responders to learn how to fly drones in the "Drones and Flight Science Class."
Pelletier is being assisted by two of his high school students to teach the drone course.
“These kids grew up with video games,” said Pelletier, “and so the kids just have a natural ability to fly drones, they are the best ones to impart the knowledge to the first responders.”
Kris Glaser graduated from Middletown High School just two weeks ago and is a drone instructor.
“I’m 18 and teaching adults and I’m helping firefighters and other students,” Glaser said.
Glaser is joined by Middletown High rising sophomore Delilah Van Ness, 15, who is the one who administers the quizzes to the students -- most of who are more than a decade or two older than she is.
“We grade them to see how they are doing and what they need to work on,” Van Ness said.
The two-week course has a dozen people learning everything from maneuvering a drone safely and securely to taking pictures and shooting video. The Middletown Fire Department already has a dedicated drone team and often use drones to survey fire scenes ahead of sending any of their members into flames.
“The students learn about aerospace, they learn about the weather, federal aviation regulations – all things to make piloting safe,” Pelletier said.
“There are so many opportunities that can happen with drones that can just help people,” said Glaser, who plans to enter the Air Force down the road.
Pelletier then said, “It’s a win-win when you can get the kids and the first responders, and I think that’s what education is supposed to be about.”
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Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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