No longer hidden: Upstate drone program soars ahead

The Rise of Drone Technology in Public Safety

In Greenville, South Carolina, a drone program is making waves, proving its value in enhancing public safety and supporting first responders. As technology continues to evolve, drones are becoming an essential tool for emergency management, especially in times when resources are stretched thin.

Drones have become a crucial part of the public safety landscape, offering solutions that can operate quickly and efficiently. With staffing shortages affecting many agencies, the use of drones has emerged as a lifeline, capable of flying, floating, and filling critical gaps in response efforts. In Spartanburg County, this innovation is taking flight, helping to protect both the community and those who serve it.

David Hartman, a volunteer with Mills River Fire, has witnessed firsthand how drones can complement traditional search and rescue operations. He shared, “We’ve worked together on searches where we’ll run a dog, and then we’ll run the drones at the same time.” Hartman also works with K-9 units for Spartanburg County Search and Rescue, which led him to connect with Gus Ballard, the coordinator of the drone program.

Over the past year, the region has experienced extreme weather conditions, highlighting the growing need for advanced technologies like drones. Hartman explained that events such as Hurricane Helene brought attention to the importance of these tools. “It’s actually all the above. So, hurricane Helene actually did kind of bring it to a bigger focal point.”

When used in search and rescue situations, drones can be deployed in seconds. Once airborne, they can cover vast distances and use infrared technology and maps to locate individuals in need of assistance. This capability not only speeds up the process but also enhances the safety of first responders.

Gus Ballard, who coordinates the drone program, emphasized the importance of using drones to support search teams. “The drone is flying over our search area. We have our altitude and speed,” he explained. “So if you find something you can quickly put it here on the map.” Ballard also works to train other departments in the area, ensuring that more agencies can benefit from this technology.

Ballard recounted a recent incident where drones made a significant difference. “I was able to spot him, confirm that there was a victim. We alerted our team. Those are our search teams. They deployed and were able to successfully bring that person back to safety.”

Beyond search and rescue, drones are being used in various ways to assess damage and monitor conditions. After Hurricane Helene, Ballard and his team mapped the damage along the Swannanoa River, which had expanded dramatically during the storm. Drones allowed them to survey areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, ensuring the safety of first responders by identifying potential hazards.

The technology is also proving invaluable in wildfire scenarios. Hartman noted, “If we do have a fire like a wildland fire, we can see how the fire spreads. We can also, for a structure fire. Look at how the fire is affecting the roof and where it’s safe for firefighters to get to and know what we’re going into whenever we get there.”

As agencies prepare for future emergencies, the role of drones is expected to grow. Ballard explained that in the event of another major storm, drones could be used to take aerial pictures of affected areas, providing valuable data alongside ground teams assessing the damage.

Drone technology is not only improving response efforts but also addressing recruitment challenges. Recent research shows a significant drop in law enforcement applicants across the country, ranging from 27% to 60%. The concept of using drones as first responders is gaining traction, with cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, launching programs to integrate this technology into their operations.

Currently, at least 17 law enforcement agencies in South Carolina are using drones, with five of those located in the Upstate region. Ballard highlighted how drones can act as a force multiplier, reaching areas that might be difficult for ground teams to access. “It could go half a mile. A mile. And you can really find things that people on the ground might not have access to.”

As drone technology continues to advance, its potential to save lives and improve public safety is becoming increasingly evident. From search and rescue missions to disaster response, drones are proving to be an essential asset in modern emergency management. With growing support and expanding applications, the future of drone technology looks promising for communities and first responders alike.