Greers Ferry School Enhances Stability in AGFC Emergency Response Evaluations
In a remarkable display of community collaboration, the welding class at Greers Ferry West Side High School has created a custom mobile platform for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s (AGFC) FARO 3D laser scanner. This innovation promises to significantly enhance the AGFC’s emergency response evaluations by providing a stable base for the scanner.
The FARO scanner is an extremely intricate device commonly used by architects and surveyors to plot 3D images of various settings. AGFC game wardens utilize this technology to create forensically accurate 3D models, which are then analyzed to understand the environments where hunting and boating accidents occur. However, the device needed some adaptation to be effective in accident investigations.
The main challenge was making sure the scanner could rotate 360 degrees from a stable, level base. It’s traditionally mounted on tripods, but this setup isn’t ideal for capturing scenes underneath vessels and trailers or in tight quarters like hunting blinds.
Cpl. Briston Gould, recognizing the problem, approached Randy Carr, a welding instructor at West Side High School. “We reached out to Randy Carr,” Gould said, “and he led two students with a project to custom fabricate an adjustable mounting plate for the scanner.”
Randy Carr was eager to assist. “I’ve welded up a few things over the years for AGFC,” Carr explained, “so when Briston came to me with this project, it seemed pretty simple. It’s a great relationship we have with the AGFC, and in a small community like ours, we all like to pitch in and help each other out.”
The students fabricated the base out of mild steel and added adjustment bolts that could be used to level the platform on uneven surfaces. They used a CNC plasma machine to cut holes and weld the nuts for the bolts in the shop. The resulting platform sits low enough to the ground, offering a stable base while protecting the valuable piece of equipment.
Now, the AGFC can use this platform to capture detailed images of accident scenes from unique angles. “It can fit in a hunting blind or even a tent,” Gould noted. “It will be extremely helpful with documentation of evidence for accident reports and major wildlife violations and crimes.”
Key Details
- FARO 3D Laser Scanner: The device is used by architects and surveyors to plot 3D images of various settings.
- AGFC Utilization: The scanner helps AGFC game wardens create forensically accurate 3D models of accident scenes.
- Platform Construction:
- Fabricated by students from Greers Ferry West Side High School.
- Made from mild steel with adjustable bolts to level on uneven surfaces.
- Cut holes using a CNC plasma machine and welded nuts for bolts.
- Implications
- Allows for detailed scans in tight quarters like hunting blinds.
- Extremely helpful for documenting evidence in accident reports.
Community Collaboration
The collaboration between the AGFC and Greers Ferry West Side High School is a testament to the power of community involvement in enhancing public services. In a small town like Greers Ferry, everyone pitches in to help out, embodying the spirit of community assistance.
This project not only showcases the skills of the welding students but also demonstrates how local resources can be leveraged to support critical public services, such as law enforcement and wildlife management.
