Lakeland PD drone finds missing woman in lake vegetation | Lifesaving Achievement Award Finalist

A woman went missing on Lake Parker and was feared drowned, hidden in dense aquatic vegetation that a rescue boat had already passed within a foot of. Ofc. Tom Anderson, flying for the Lakeland Police Department, zoomed in on a faint thermal signature, caught a hand move, and guided the boat back to her. This story is a finalist for the 2026 Aerial Achievement Award in the Lifesaving Achievement category, which recognizes missions where drone technology directly saved a life or prevented serious harm. Now in its third year, the awards span five categories honoring agencies putting autonomous flight to work in the field. Winners are announced at the Aerial Achievement Awards Dinner & Celebration during Ascend on September 23. Vote for Lakeland PD's story 🗳️ https://www.skydio.com/vote 🔹 https://www.skydio.com 🔹 We're hiring: https://www.skydio.com/careers?utm_source=G0E0lyQEda 🔹 https://www.youtube.com/@Skydio 🔹 https://www.instagram.com/skydiohq 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/skydio 🔹 https://www.x.com/skydiohq