As reported by ABC 33/40, Blount County is using the latest technology in hopes that they can make the job of Alabama first responders as safe as possible. With that end in mind, they’ve purchased a state-of-the-art drone they intend to deploy in emergency situations.
The $24,000 drone is the only one of its kind being used in Alabama. Hitting on the new capabilities of their latest investment, Blount Co. 911 Director Caleb Branch said, “The neat thing about this UAV is it has the ability to have two separate cameras on it, and we’re able to see both cameras at the same time. One’s a third times zoom camera, so we’re able to see off into the distance a long way. Also, we have an infrared imager that gives us the ability to check for any kind of heat signature.”
In addition to a missing person scenario, the drone can be used in a tactical capacity as well. Instead of a police officer entering a dangerous area blind, they can now deploy the drone. Unlike a helicopter, it is the definition of stealth. It’s small frame and minimal noise output, make it a perfect way to conduct surveillance without being detected.
Blount County Operations Commander Tim Kent says, “It’s just amazing what this will do. . . I think it’s going to make Blount County and the surrounding communities a lot safer, I really do.”
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