Drone added to Oconee search and rescue capabilities

A drone has been added to the equipment for search and rescue operations, as carried out by the Oconee Sheriff’s Office. The county sheriff’s office is believed to be one of only a few such law enforcement agencies in the upstate to acquire drone technology. Sheriff’s officers will use the drone in conjunction with its helicopter and first responder activity, as part of Project Life Saver, assistance with drownings, and to locate potentially dangerous and fleeing suspects. The price tag, including infra-red camera, came to about $20 thousand. Most of the cost came from money reimbursed to the Sheriff’s Office for assistance given in response to coastal hurricanes.