Jefferson County Commissioners last week approved the use of $15,000 in Title III funds for an advanced unmanned aircraft system, commonly known as a drone.
The Sheriff’s Office is expected to use the new thermal-imaging drone to aid search and rescue operations, track suspects and fugitives, and survey potentially dangerous situations before putting officers at risk. “We are pleased to have this tool available to us to increase the safety of the public and the safety of our deputies,” said Sheriff Tom Grimsrud.
The County’s Emergency Management Services and other agencies plan to use it to monitor wildfire hotspots, assess flood damage, investigate HAZMAT spills, monitor major public events, and inspect and map local infrastructure.
County agencies are reviewing their options and expect to choose a drone for procurement by the end of May. Doug Dodge, County Director of Emergency Management, expects the new system to be “a game-changing tool for response agencies.”
