Drone brings new capability to local Emergency Management

ALLISON – Over the past few years unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, have become an emerging technology in everyday life. Late last month Butler County Emergency Management took a step in that direction, acquiring the area’s first drone for use in both search-andrescue and aerial assessment operations.
Emergency Management Director Mitch Nordmeyer said Butler County’s new drone, which is one of fewer than 10 in the state owned and operated by a government agency, is the way of the future.
“Before long I think (there will) be a lot of these around the state,” he said.
Nordmeyer only became interested in purchasing a drone after seeing one in use during a search and rescue operation in early July. As local authorities searched for a missing Bremer County woman, a citizen offered the assistance of his drone.
Read the full article in the August 11 edition of the papers.