01/08/25 – 8 flights; total flight time 00:58:43. The deployment was to test drone capabilities.
01/09/25 – 4 flights; total flight time 01:01:01. The deployment was to test drone capabilities.
01/11/25 – 4 flights; total flight time 01:12:54. These flights were conducted in the areas of Riverside Road, and Grays Corner Road, La Grande.
On 03/04/25, from about 1142 hours, until about 1300 hours, the drone was deployed in the area of Spring Creek to help locate a missing person (CAD25-04814). The individual was eventually located in good health and it was determined their vehicle got stuck in deep snow after experiencing mechanical issues. The drone was able to rule out several areas where the person may have been.
On 03/25/25, at about 1005 hours, The drone was deployed in the area of Aries Lane, La Grande, for a brief demonstration to school-aged kids. This demonstration lasted about 5 to 10 minutes.
On 04/23/25, from about 1800 hours, to 2000 hours, the Drone was deployed in the area of Riverside Park, La Grande, in connection to an inter-agency training with local Fire Departments and SAR. The training revolved around locating patients and evacuating them for further medical assistance. The Drone was able to effectively communicate with role players and guide ground crews to them.
On 05/18/25, from 1617 to 1920 hours, the UCSO drone was deployed in the area of Ellis Road, North Powder, to assist Deputies and SAR in finding a female Californian after her vehicle was found abandoned in a field. Nearby evidence suggested she did not make rational efforts to seek help and concern arose for her safety. Fearing she was at risk of exposure to the elements overnight, a grid was established and a thorough search of the area was conducted. The female was ultimately found several miles away from her car at a farm site. She was determined to be alright and was provided assistance (CAD25-10991).
On 06/04/25, from about 1000 to 1230 hours, the drone was deployed north of Elgin on Federal Forest Property to locate a wanted individual who was camped in the area. The drone assisted ground units and the K9 to track the individual, but this individual’s apprehension was unsuccessful.
On 06/08/25, from about 1430 to 1530 hours, the drone was deployed in the area of Fox Hill in the MERA parking lot to train with the K9 unit in apprehending a role player.