About 100 miles west of New York City lies Phillipsburg, NJ, the largest municipality in Warren County. Sitting along the border of Easton, PA, separated by the Delaware River, and encircled by rolling hills and farmland, Phillipsburg is home to a little more than 15,000 people. This unique, picturesque town and its surrounding rural communities have seen a steady increase in residents over the last decade. What was once considered mostly a pass-through town has now become a destination for people looking to experience the benefits of both rural and bustling city amenities.

A local favorite destination has become the Phillipsburg Farmer’s Market, which opens in April and runs through October. The market is held at Shappell Park and features vendors from local farms and businesses. Besides the best in local produce and artisan products, the Phillipsburg Farmer’s Market has become known for the positive atmosphere it brings with musical performances and family-friendly events held weekly. One of the most popular events at the market is the annual Touch-A-Truck, First Responders Day.

This year’s event, held on Sunday, August 18, was sponsored by McWane Ductile, a company that has operated a facility in Phillipsburg since 1975, producing infrastructure water pipes used throughout North America. The 2024 Touch-A-Truck, First Responders Day saw a record 430 visitors flock through Shappell Park to purchase market specials, meet emergency responders, explore emergency vehicles, enjoy an interactive photo booth, and cool off in a soapy foam pit. But perhaps the highlight of the event was one that will provide a lasting impact for residents of Phillipsburg and its surrounding communities.

Towards the end of the event, representatives from McWane Ductile presented a generous gift to representatives from the Phillipsburg Police Department, Phillipsburg Emergency Squad, Phillipsburg Fire Companies, Search and Rescue, and Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. The gift was a DJI Matrice 30T drone. This small, portable drone has become a favorite among emergency responders for its ease of use and impressive results. With a 40-minute flight time, this drone provides users with enough time to complete critical missions such as search and rescue. Its thermal camera gives operators a bird’s-eye view that can locate heat signatures, a critical aspect when every second counts in life-saving operations.

Phillipsburg’s emergency services not only protect the town’s residents but also serve as backup for the cluster of small rural communities that surround it. Some of these towns, like Stewartsville with a population of less than 400, rely on Phillipsburg to supplement their volunteer emergency services. These small towns would not have the means necessary to purchase a drone and train officers to use it. Sergeant Cody Rieger of the Phillipsburg Emergency Squad, who was on hand to accept the drone from McWane Ductile, explained that the town would be ready to provide emergency drone services for the greater Phillipsburg community.

“McWane is committed to keeping the Phillipsburg community safe,” said a representative from the company. “We know that the drone search and rescue program being developed by the Phillipsburg Emergency Squad will support all local first responders and ensure their qualification to handle critical situations.” Mayor Piazza, who has been a proud advocate of burgeoning technology like drones, was grateful for the supportive collaboration between McWane Ductile and the Phillipsburg Emergency Services teams. “Our first responders take a lot of pride in what they do. Thank you all for spending your time and making Phillipsburg a great place to live,” Mayor Piazza said.

The donation of the DJI Matrice 30T drone represents a significant advancement in the tools available to Phillipsburg’s emergency services. By enhancing their capabilities with state-of-the-art technology, McWane Ductile has not only invested in the safety and efficiency of local responders but has also reinforced the spirit of community support that defines Phillipsburg. As the town continues to grow and thrive, such partnerships will be crucial in ensuring that Phillipsburg remains a safe, vibrant, and connected place for all its residents. With these new resources, the community can look forward to even greater resilience and preparedness in facing any challenges that lie ahead.

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