(TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) Broome County Office of Emergency Services Director Michael Ponticiello, Broome County Sheriff David Harder, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, and representatives from Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s Office came together Friday to announce details of a joint unmanned aerial vehicle team.
The team is a joint effort between the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Services and includes six pilots, three from each department.
The team was designed to assist with search and rescue, missing persons cases, accident reconstruction and more. It helps support public safety and Department of Public Works Missions. Additionally, it provides damage assessment following disasters.
“UAV’s have become a critical piece of technology to assist public safety agencies,” says Director Ponticiello. “It is a cost-effective alternative to using traditional aircraft and much more efficient.”
“This program is a big asset in assisting with locating missing people and recording crime scenes,” said Broome County Sheriff David Harder. “I look forward to continuing to see it expand in the future.”
Funds for this project were provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Congressman Brindisi’s office assisted in getting the appropriate approvals.
