An Interview with Chris Hare: How a rural Iowa County created their UAV program

Over the last 5 years or so, local and state organizations have begun to see value in the use of UAVs in emergency response efforts. With the constant addition of new cameras, software and capabilities , UAVs uses are never ending. Below we talk to the Assistant Coordinator from Buchanan County Iowa regarding how even rural communities can benefit from developing a solid and multifaceted UAV program. Despite being a small county in rural Iowa, Buchanan County found grant money and developed a UAV program. Read through the interview about how they started their program, and may even be “Inspire’d” (Bad Pun) to take the next actions toward a UAV program in your community.

Jonathon Weiss, Founder of JonnyUAV

Chris Hare, Assistant Coordinator Buchanan County Emergency Management and Chief Officer Winthrop Fire & Rescue

When did Buchanan County begin looking at starting a UAV program? We have talked about starting a program for three or four years, but not seriously until we saw a demonstration by the Jones County Sheriff. After seeing the potential, a drone had in our community we actively started searching for funds to pursue our own program.

What agencies are included in the UAV program? Our program is a collaboration between Independence Fire, Buchanan County Emergency Management, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Independence Police Department. The equipment is housed at the Independence Fire House and is deployed through our 911 system.

What influenced the discussion of starting the UAV program? It truly was after seeing what Jones County was doing with their DJI Inspire, we started talking about how this technology could benefit Buchanan County. One of the biggest discussion was river rescue, and how flying a drone could keep responders off the river until the victims are located.

What kind of obstacles where encountered while in the process of creating the program? Probably the biggest obstacle was insuring the assets. We were lucky in that all of us have the same insurer.

What addition training beyond the Part 107 licensing do Buchanan County’s pilots go through? Independence Fire Captain Blake Hayward has been in the forefront of our program. He has written a Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) that state all requirements that need to be met to fly one of the drones. He has it written that every pilot must maintain a certain number of logged flight hours every year to remain active with in the program.

How many Part 107 pilots does Buchanan County have in the UAV program? As of today, we have two certified pilots, two have been through the class and are scheduled to test. We also have a part 107 preparation class scheduled for late March to prepare at least eight more pilots.

How many UAVs are currently being utilized throughout the county for emergency services? As far as I know we have three individual who have personal drones that have flown for emergency response. With the Addition of four from this program and a couple other we know of, I believe we could have as many as 8 or 9 that can be used in case of emergency.

What types of missions have already been conducted in Buchanan county using the UAV program? The main missions that have been flown in the county have been all law related. Last summer, Captain Hayward was deployed for a couple of runaway youths from a local detention school.. We are still finalizing everything for the DJI Matrice 210 (such as backpacks to drop, radios, and other safety equipment) and it will be ready to deploy soon. The biggest thing will be the utilization of a FLIR camera on the 210; we believe this could be the biggest game changer.

Do you have a favored success story you would like to share? So far missions have all been law related for us. However, look at stories from places like Decorah, where drones are being used to successfully find people in trouble in the rivers and saving lives.

What plans does Buchanan County have for expanding the program? As of right now, the major objective or plan is getting all the pilots prepared to take the part 107 test and get our drones up in the air. In the future, I can see integrating some of the other new technologies into this program; such as lasers and water drones.

Any advice for other agencies looking at starting their own program? Make sure you have a solid plan and goals to suit your situation. The market is flooded with so many different types of drones that it can be very overwhelming. I think drones are such great assets if they are used properly. I can’t wait to hear more and more stories about how drones have saved not only citizens lives but also the lives of first responders.

If your organization, county or agency is looking to develop a UAV program, our partners at Patriam Shield can help you. Reach out to them at PatriamShield.com to schedule a consultation.

If you already have an UAV program and are in need of another unit, head over to JonnyUAV.com and tell us what you are looking for. We offer a wide selection of commercial and industrial UAVs available. We can even help you select the right UAV for your needs.

If your agency has flown a successful rescue or have a story you would like to share, send us an email. We would love to share your stories. Your story may even be featured in our next blog!

Until then remember, “Fly Safe, Fly Clean, Fly Often.”

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