Hopkins County Emergency Management is taking disaster response to new heights, joining eight other Pennyrile region agencies in deploying a powerful new drone to aid in search and rescue, conduct aerial surveys, and improve damage assessments after major emergencies.
Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey told WFMW’s News Edge that Hopkins County received a DJI 350 RTK drone thanks to a grant secured by the Pennyrile Area Development District. He explained that PeADD applied for the grant after the region experienced several major disasters.
click to download audioBailey said Hopkins County Emergency Management has worked alongside the PVA office in recent years, using a small drone during incidents like the recent flooding to survey areas that were only accessible by boat or air. While they’ve relied on drone technology before, he noted the new drone offers capabilities far beyond what they’ve used in the past.
click to download audioHe asid that they also received training on how to operate the new drone.
click to download audioBailey explained that their primary focus for using the new drone is to strengthen search and rescue operations.
click to download audioAccording to Bailey, the drone can also be requested by other government agencies in the county, but is not for hire for private or commercial use.
click to download audioBailey is a certified drone operator, and he shared that several other county employees also hold drone licenses.
