Washington County’s
sUAS Rapid Deployment Team
sUAS Rapid Response Team
Introduction:
Mission Statement: The sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) Rapid Response Team is dedicated to enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities across Washington County, OH. Our mission is to provide aerial support during emergencies, search and rescue operations, disaster response, and other critical situations where rapid, aerial intervention can save lives and property.
About the Team:
Formation and Purpose: The sUAS Rapid Response Team is a newly chartered county-wide initiative led by the Reno Volunteer Fire Department and the Devola Vol. Fire Co. This collaboration brings together skilled drone operators and public safety professionals from across Washington County. Our primary goal is to deploy state-of-the-art drone technology for swift, effective response to emergencies. Additionally, we are committed to assisting other fire departments within Washington County in establishing their own sUAS teams and acquiring the necessary assets. By working together, we aim to create a network of capable sUAS teams throughout the county, ensuring rapid aerial support is available whenever and wherever it's needed.
Capabilities: Our team is equipped with the latest sUAS technology, offering real-time aerial imaging, thermal imaging, and other advanced capabilities to assist in various scenarios, including:
Search and Rescue Missions
Firefighting Support
Hazardous Material Assessments
Disaster Response and Recovery
Law Enforcement Assistance
Traffic Accident Documentation
Team Structure:
Leadership and Members: The sUAS Rapid Response Team is coordinated by Reno VFD member Tom Sherman and Jesse Lehman of Devola Volunteer Fire Company, with support from various other fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and emergency management organizations across the county.
Training and Certification: To ensure a robust and skilled team, we are establishing a consortium of certified drone pilots. We will provide comprehensive training for individuals to obtain their FAA Part 107 certification, empowering them to operate drones professionally within our response network. This initiative will help standardize training and safety protocols across the county.
Expand the Initiative:
Involving Other Departments: We are actively working to involve other fire departments across Washington County, OH, in this initiative. Our goal is to help each department develop its own internal sUAS program, including recruiting and training new pilots.
Support for New Teams: To assist other departments in setting up their sUAS teams, we will provide a comprehensive startup document. This document will include guidelines for adopting standards of operational safety and other essential information to fast-track the development of a capable and efficient drone response team.
Drone Asset Acquisition: In addition to pilot training, we are focused on acquiring drone assets across the county. This will ensure that each participating department has access to the necessary equipment to effectively respond to emergencies and other critical situations.
Get Involved:
Join the Team: We are actively seeking qualified individuals with experience in drone operation, emergency response, or related fields to join our team. If you are passionate about public safety and have the skills to contribute, please fill out our online form bellow. A team member will reach out to you with more information on how to get involved.
Support Our Mission: Community support is essential to the success of the sUAS Rapid Response Team. Donations, sponsorships, and partnerships are welcome to help us maintain and expand our capabilities.
Ongoing Developments: Stay tuned for updates on the formation of the sUAS Rapid Response Team, including upcoming training sessions, community demonstrations, and operational highlights.
Call to Action:
Support and Protect Washington County: We invite all residents and businesses in Washington County to support this vital initiative. Together, we can enhance the safety and security of our community with cutting-edge technology and dedicated service.