WESTWOOD—A potentially tragic situation ended safely Wednesday night, Oct. 15, when borough police — aided by neighboring departments, a police dog, and a drone — located an elderly woman with dementia who had gone missing from her home.
According to Chief Michael R. Pontillo, the woman had walked away without any means of communication or tracking, and was last seen in the area of Kinderkamack Road and Grand Street. A family member called police seeking help to find her and bring her home. Officers immediately began searching the area and called for assistance from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The dog picked up a trail but lost the scent once it reached a more populated area.
That’s when, Pontillo said, officers turned to “21st-century technology.” The Westwood Police Department launched a drone equipped with infrared imaging, which detected a heat signature along a wooded embankment. Officers converged on the location, finding the woman alive but in need of medical attention. She was evaluated at a hospital and later reunited with her family.
The department shared its drone video—backed by a rousing action-movie-like soundrack—with the media on Thursday.
“This was a happy ending to a difficult situation, and we are thankful for the outcome,” Pontillo said, crediting his officers’ diligence and the cooperation of all agencies involved.
He extended thanks to the Hillsdale Police Department, under newly promoted Chief Travis Woods [story, page 21], and to Sheriff Anthony Cureton and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their valuable aid.
Pontillo also acknowledged the Westwood Mayor and Council for their ongoing support of local emergency services and for funding the borough’s public-safety technology programs — including the drone that made the discovery possible.
Residents expressed relief and gratitude in dozens of social media comments after police shared drone footage of the search.
“Amazing collaboration,” wrote Lori Hrbek. “Thank goodness we have people in charge who see the value in modern technology. This could’ve had a much different ending.”
“Happy ending to a scary situation,” added Mary McManmon Boyle, while Matt O’Hare called it an “excellent use of technology. Saved a life. Great job.”
“We live in a great town with compassionate people,” wrote Ingrid Quinn, echoing the sentiments of many who praised the officers’ swift action.
Pontillo thanked the community for its support, adding that moments like this highlight “the best in modern policing.”
Footage is available at facebook.com/WestwoodPolice.