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County approves up to $20,000 for emergency management drone to bolster search, rescue and fire response
Summary
The Hampshire County Commission approved up to $20,000 for a second Alltel Alpha-class drone for the emergency management department to support search-and-rescue, wildland fire, hazmat and swift‑water incidents; the department said the purchase would keep the county under budget and allow redundancy while repairs occur on an existing drone.
The Hampshire County Commission on June 10 approved up to $20,000 for the emergency management department to purchase a second high-end Alltel Alpha drone to support search-and-rescue, wildland fire, swift-water and hazmat operations.
Emergency management staff said the county currently operates one Alltel 640T drone and the sheriff’s office has two drones; the department requested a second drone because the existing unit needs sensor repairs that would sideline it for about three weeks. Commissioners were told a second drone would provide operational redundancy and extended capability (longer flight time, quicker target identification, thermal imaging).
The department said its FY2024–25 emergency management budget (about $177,000) was running approximately $51,000 under budget and that buying the drone would still leave the department under budget by roughly $30,000 for the fiscal year. Staff also noted they can pursue grant reimbursement through Hazard Mitigation (HMGP) or other state programs after purchase.
Commissioners asked about drone life expectancy (chief estimated about 10 years if not damaged) and about retaining savings for future budgets. The motion to approve the drone purchase passed by voice vote; staff said training and FAA Part 107 certification for additional operators is ongoing and the department will seek reimbursements where eligible.
