In a hands-on educational demonstration, the Wayne Police Department showcased the capabilities of remote-controlled drones to students at Pioneer Academy on December 8, 2023. The event, part of a week dedicated to STEM activities, aimed to illustrate the practical applications of drone technology while engaging students in a fun and informative manner.
Students observed as an 8-pound drone, a DJI Matrice 30T, soared approximately 150 feet above the soccer field—equivalent to the height of the Statue of Liberty. The drone’s zoom camera provided real-time footage, allowing children to see themselves on a monitor set up in a police patrol car’s trunk. Laughter filled the air as students waved at their reflections, creating a memorable experience.
The demonstration included a simulated rescue scenario, where a volunteer student pretended to be a distressed swimmer. The drone dropped a life jacket to her, emphasizing how such technology can be crucial in emergency situations. Sgt. Pawel Jadczak of the Wayne Police led the demonstration, explaining that drones serve multiple purposes in law enforcement, including traffic accident reconstruction and search-and-rescue missions.
Mela Kamara, a 16-year-old student who initiated the demonstration, expressed the need for his peers to better understand drone technology. “I wanted to show them that there are other things you can do with drones,” said Mela, from Bloomfield. He also founded a drone club at the school, which has 15 members and is actively building their own drones. The club plans to participate in a nationwide contest organized by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation.
Pioneer Academy, located on Totowa Road, is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon school and serves 448 students from pre-K through 12th grade. Alongside the drone demonstration, students engaged in a mathematics competition, a science fair, and a visit to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. High school students also welcomed a guest speaker from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, further enriching their STEM experience.
The police demonstration was not just an entertaining spectacle; it highlighted the potential for future careers in technology and law enforcement. “You can do positive stuff with them,” Mela remarked, referring to the various beneficial uses of drones. The engaging event not only provided a unique learning opportunity but also inspired students to explore the possibilities that technology can offer in their lives.
