High-Tech Drone Added to Henderson County Sheriff’s Arsenal

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Department has added a high-tech drone with the latest law enforcement tools and a trained, licensed pilot to their operation. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said the drone will be deployed during manhunts, cases of kidnapped or missing children, missing elderly, active shooter sites and post-crime scene analysis. The Inspire 1 drone is equipped with a complete camera system for both video and still photography and it has zoom and thermal capabilities so the pilot can see up close and at night. It also has GPS tracking and can reach speeds of 49 miles per hour.

Deputy Kyle Pochobradsky is the Federal Aviation Administration trained and licensed drone pilot. The 13-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office attended the out-of-town seminar where flying techniques and rules and regulations were taught. The FAA requires that drone pilots attend training sessions every two years for recertification.

Henderson County Crime Stoppers donated the $15,000 worth of equipment and training.