PALMETTO, GA, March 13, 2024 – Coweta-Fayette EMC’s Operation Round Up (ORU) Foundation awarded a grant to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to assist with the enhancement of search and rescue efforts.
The grant provided the acquisition of a Mavic 3 Thermal Drone for the Coweta County SWAT/Special Response Team to assist in locating missing or lost persons, as well as fleeing suspects.
The device represents a vital addition to local law enforcement, as it is equipped with thermal optics that can detect persons through heat signatures; an announcement speaker with voice customization that can be used for direct communication with subjects; and a gimbal search spotlight, which will enable effective search and rescue efforts both during the day and at night.
The team will be able to utilize the search and rescue capabilities of the thermal drone in a variety of emergency situations, and it will be operated by FAA certified remote pilots from Coweta County 911/EMA, Coweta County Fire Rescue, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Coweta County GIS Department, and Coweta County Facilities. The addition of this device will enhance search and rescue resources for CCSO, as well as other local agencies and emergency services personnel.
According to CCSO, drones have had a major impact in assisting with traffic crash reconstruction, reconnaissance before tactical deployments, SWAT overwatch, hostage situations, forensic investigations, patrol-deployed operations, searches for lost persons, and first response.
“As drones continue to evolve, law enforcement agencies around the world are using them in more ways to save lives and enhance the safety of officers,” said Bryan Minix, SWAT/ATRV Operator with the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. “This drone will provide an invaluable resource to local law enforcement, allowing us to locate missing persons, mitigate incidents and provide support during K9 operations, and it will be available 24/7 for response,” said Minix.
The Coweta-Fayette Trust Board approved and awarded this grant to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office in February 2024, emphasizing ORU’s commitment to empower local law enforcement agencies with the tools and resources necessary to enhance public safety and community well-being.
Operation Round Up could not be successful without the willingness of our members/owners that participate. Sign up for Operation Round Up by visiting https://utility.org/operation-round-up-purpose/.
Founded in 1993, Operation Found Up offers Coweta-Fayette EMC members the opportunity to “round up” their bill to the next highest dollar amount, with the difference being contributed to a fund which is awarded to various individuals and organizations in need.
Coweta-Fayette EMC is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to over 80,000 consumers in Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Fulton, Heard, Meriwether, Spalding, and Troup counties.
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- Coweta-Fayette EMC’s Operation Round Up (ORU) Foundation awarded a grant to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to assist with the enhancement of search and rescue efforts.
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- The grant provided the acquisition of a Mavic 3 Thermal Drone for the Coweta County SWAT/Special Response Team to assist in locating missing or lost persons, as well as fleeing suspects..
