A pre-production unmanned demonstration of a Drone America Search and Rescue DAx8 UAV flew in front of the media and local dignitaries during a press conference to announce a proposed regional UAV Search and Rescue program. The program began a year ago through a collaborative effort between Drone America and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, founded and chaired by Sheriff Mike Haley. Other agencies have since joined, including the Desert Research Institute (DRI), the University of Nevada, Reno, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Reno and Sparks Police Departments. The project has also been endorsed by U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV).
“We could have brought this [UAV] in to help the girl that was lost in South Reno not too long ago,” said Washoe County Sheriff Michael Haley.
Project members are also working with the FAA to meet certification requirements necessary to use the UAV in Washoe County airspace. Because the UAV must be flown by qualified licensed pilots, the Sheriff’s Office RAVEN program will be responsible for operating the UAV.
“By working with law enforcement and emergency services, we are able to fully understand and gain knowledge on what our products have to do to make their jobs more successful,” said Drone America’s President and CEO Mike Richards. “These are tools that are designed to help emergency responders to save time while trying to save people’s lives.”
The Sheriff’s Office plans to present the proposal to the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners in January for the Board’s review and approval, with the initial cost of the UAV expected to come from drug forfeiture funds.
