May 7, 2015 VOLU M E 2 8 | I S S UE 24
HighlandsRanchHerald.net A publication of
D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
Drone use on way up Law enforcement, first responders find numerous uses for new technology By Mike DiFerdinando and Christy Steadman Staff writers
First-grader Anne Eggemeyer, left, and second-grader Carissa Cotter sing “Puff the Magic Dragon” with Peter Yarrow at Summit View Elementary. Photos by Jane Reuter
‘Peter’ still sharing message of peace Well-known folk singer visits Summit View as part of Peaceful Schools Program By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com At 77, Peter Yarrow continues the peaceful activism that made him famous in the 1960s as part of the Peter, Paul and Mary folk-singing trio. Today, he shares his message of peace and compassion with school children. On May 4, he brought it to Highlands Ranch’s Summit View Elementary, which has followed Yarrow’s Peaceful School Program for two years. “There’s a movement today to make sure we treat each other with kindness and humanity and respect,” Yarrow said. “And that’s why I’m here.” Yarrow talked and sang before the students and staff during a morning assembly, inviting a small group of students on stage to show them how the Peaceful Schools Program works and to sing with him. He encouraged students to conduct the FourWay Test in speech and action. The test used by Rotarians — who helped developed Peaceful Schools with Yarrow — encourages people to ask if something it true, fair, beneficial to all, and whether it will build goodwill and better friendships before speaking or acting. “You can change it,” Yarrow told the students. “It’s within your power to create the kind of school you want.” Yarrow sang several of his most wellknown songs, including “Puff the Magic Dragon” and an anti-bullying song, “Don’t Laugh at Me,” with which many of the children sang along. “This was so amazing today,” said Summit View Principal Sheri Coll. “The Peaceful Schools Program ... really supports the social and emotional Learning. Our school has really taught establishing and maintaining positive relationships. Having Peter Yarrow personally visit our school solidified that we are creating respectful, safe schools.” Members of Mountain Vista High School’s Interact Club deliver the lessons, acting as role models for the elementaryage students. Interact Club is a Rotary Club specifically for 12-18 year olds.
As crews work to clean up the damage from an April house fire that claimed a man’s life, Rick Young pilots a remote-controlled drone that surveys the site. Young, a firefighter with the Castle Rock Fire Department Investigation Unit, looks for burn patterns and smoke stains — anything that may provide a clue to the cause of the blaze. “It allows us to get a 360-degree view of the site,” said Lt. Patrick Richardson of the Castle Rock Fire Department. “It takes pictures and HD video and really allows us to see the whole structure.” This drone is new — only its second time in use. It belongs to South Metro Fire Rescue, but is available to partnering agencies for investigative purposes. Use of drones for public services is an expanding trend throughout the country, state and Front Range. Law enforcement and first responders are excited about its potential to help investigations — from photographing accident scenes to search-and-rescue operations. “It’s the smart way to do law enforcement,” said Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock, whose department recently received its first drone. However, some citizens and legislators worry about how the new technology will intersect with privacy concerns. Drones continues on Page 31
What the sheriff ’s drone can and can’t do
Carissa Cotter, left, takes the microphone as Peter Yarrow asks her a question about compassion. Addison Akins sits between them at the May 4 Summit View Elementary event.
The following are the capabilities of the DJI Phantom2 drone, acquired by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office: 25 minutes: Flight time ability for the new DCSO drone 800 meters: Flight range of new DCSO Drone Can’t fly at night
Summit View Elementary students respond as Peter Yarrow sings “Puff the Magic Dragon” during his May 4 presentation at the school.
No audio recording capability
Can’t fly in rain or inclement weather Automatic stabilization HD video recording and camera No infrared technology