Dixon county sheriff's office enhances operations with new drone fleet
The Dixon County Sheriff's Office has significantly boosted its capabilities with three new drones funded by grants, enabling advanced search and rescue operations and improving safety in critical situations.
Ponca, Neb. – The Dixon County Sheriff’s Office has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities with the addition of three new drones, funded by an estimated $30,000 in grants from the Larry the Cable Guy Foundation and the Gardener Foundation.
The expansion transforms their aerial resources from a single daytime drone to a fleet of four, equipped with advanced technology for various scenarios.
"Now we have thermal drones," said Scott Webb, Dixon County Jail-Sheriffs Department 9-1-1 Dispatcher, Corrections Officer, & FAA Licensed Drone Pilot. "This means we can detect heat signals at night, crucial for locating a child lost in a field, and guide deputies to the area."
Webb highlighted the versatility of the new drones, noting that larger models can hover at altitudes exceeding 5,000 feet, while smaller ones are ideal for navigating confined spaces.
"The smaller drones allow officers to assess a building's interior before entering, identifying threats or locating a target," he explained. Equipped with spotlights and microphones, the drones facilitate one-way communication during crises. "We can communicate with individuals we are trying to find, asking questions or reassuring them that help is on the way," Webb added.
The impact of the drones was immediately evident when a 13-year-old was recently reported missing from school. The drones were deployed alongside ground search teams, contributing to the effort, though the teen was ultimately found safe in a church building.
"For a small agency like the Dixon County Sheriff’s Office, allocating $30,000 in our budget would be very challenging," Webb stated. "We are incredibly grateful for the grants, which enable us to protect lives and property with the right resources."