Gallatin County Enhances SAR Operations with New Drone Team

Haye Kesteloo
January 2, 2024
Drones for Good, Montana, Search and Rescue, Thermal Drone

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Aerial Advantages in Montana’s Rugged Terrain

Gallatin County, Montana, has significantly boosted its search and rescue (SAR) capabilities with the formation of a new drone team.

Comprising pilots certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the team is also trained in various search techniques.

These drones, especially valuable in Gallatin County’s challenging terrain, offer an aerial view to assist ground-based volunteers.

The county’s vast wilderness and major natural features, like the Bridger and Gallatin sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains, necessitate an effective SAR response due to its low population density and expansive areas.

Some drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras, enhancing night-time search operations.

This advancement reportedly mirrors a similar move by Kalispell Fire Department in acquiring an emergency response drone in 2023.

Photo courtesy of friends of the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue.

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Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.co and EVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.