Unmanned aerial system resources for US forces
The Sheriff’s Department of Williamson County, Texas, will be utilizing a new drone device for search and rescue operations
Local Sheriff Bennie Vick said the equipment onboard the drone includes spotlights, a public address system and forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) cameras to aid night searches.
“The capability to locate someone and communicate in the field under adverse situations will be an asset when minutes count and lives are on the line,” said Sheriff Vick.
“We carefully selected a group of deputies to operate the UAS. They will be trained and licensed in the appropriate legal use of the systems and adhere to the Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act.” The new system will reportedly be active in ‘the next couple of months’.
Utah law enforcement boost
Meanwhile, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has announced the launch of a new drone team, to be deployed in multiple situations, including supporting law enforcement agencies with search and rescue efforts.
Five officers are already trained and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in drone operations.
Wade Hovinga, DWR Captain, said the use of drones by conservation officers will assist both law enforcement and public service duties: “They will help us more effectively solve wildlife crimes, and having trained law enforcement drone pilots will also allow us to assist other agencies with search-and-rescue efforts or any other investigations. Utah conservation officers are public servants, and these new tools will help us better serve the public, whether we’re solving poaching crimes or locating lost hunters.”
According to military health experts, blood loss is the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield – can using drones to resupply blood and other medical supplies in this environment change this? AirMed&Rescue investigated earlier this year.