Shawnee County sheriff previews federally funded ‘drones as first responder’ program

Jul 20, 2026

Sheriff Brian Hill outlined tests of a federally funded drone response program that officials say has supported search-and-rescue, traffic and fire responses; commissioners pressed Hill on privacy safeguards, long-term maintenance costs and FAA certification.

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Sheriff Brian Hill of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday described a federally funded pilot program that uses drones to give first responders live situational information and faster scene awareness.

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