My dedication to using drones (sUAS) in Search and Rescue (SAR) and public safety is driven by a deep passion for the mission, not financial reward. As a volunteer SAR member in our county, I’ve contributed over 500 hours of service this year alone (2024), alongside my full-time job in a separate industry. My main focus is advancing the role of drones in SAR operations to improve efficiency and enhance the safety of our personnel. I strongly advocate for the integration of drones into public safety efforts, recognizing them as a powerful tool that complements, rather than replaces, traditional ground teams or manned aircraft.
My mission is to prioritize the safety of personnel by deploying drones early in operations, which significantly improves our ability to protect our teams and enhance mission outcomes. Drones can be rapidly and effectively deployed by incorporating drone teams in initial call-outs or requesting mutual aid when a dedicated drone team isn’t available. This approach not only safeguards responders but also accelerates the process of locating searched individuals.
Each county operates its drone programs differently, and while law enforcement (LE) personnel are often tasked with piloting drones, SAR team members typically bring a deeper understanding of mission objectives, making them more effective SAR pilots. By advocating for the creation of unified LE-SAR drone teams, we can broaden our capabilities and improve operational efficiency.
I also recognize that drones offer unique opportunities for team members who may be unable to participate in ground operations due to disabilities but can excel as drone pilots. Deploying drones enhances safety and effectiveness, and their ease of operation and inherent safety make them indispensable to mission success.
Ultimately, my goal is to foster collaboration, continuous learning, and the integration of drone technology to ensure that we can better serve our communities, protect our personnel, and enhance the effectiveness of our SAR operations.