Whitley County adopts drone operating procedures for search and rescue and public safety

Whitley County Fiscal Court voted to adopt standard operating procedures (SOPs) for an unmanned aircraft system and to add the SOPs to the county’s administrative code.

County staff — including interim emergency management staff and other personnel — said the drone was provided by the area development district and includes thermal imaging, an external spotlight and four complete battery sets. Staff estimated the equipment value at about $30,000. The SOPs specify restrictions on deployment, training expectations and accountability measures; instructors recommended at least eight hours of training per month per pilot.

Speakers said the drone will be used primarily for search‑and‑rescue operations, aerial observations during incidents and to reduce risk to ground responders. The court discussed mutual‑aid arrangements with neighboring agencies (including Williamsburg Police Department and Corbin area resources) and agreed the SOPs represent an important step forward given the county’s terrain, lakes and proximity to Daniel Boone National Forest.

The motion to adopt the administrative‑code amendment passed by roll call. Implementation tasks include pilot training and documenting the SOPs in county code; Emergency Management staff were directed to coordinate training and mutual‑aid procedures.