On 01/23/26, from about 1900 hours until about 2000 hours, the drone was deployed in the area of Fruitdale Lane, and Evergreen Road, La Grande. The drone was requested when concerned parents could not locate their young child who was in the process of completing a chore. The drone’s thermal imaging was used to survey nearby areas to assist law enforcement, SAR, and family look for them. After a short search, the child was found inside a building on the property and determined to be safe and in good health.
On 02/22/26, from about 2016 hours, until 2054 hours, the drone was deployed in the area of Gangloff Park in La Grande. The drone swept over areas of the Grande Ronde River, freeway, and Rapid Run Loop to assist the La Grande Police Department in locating a vulnerable citizen who had not been seen after leaving their residence several hours prior. The individual was ultimately located after citizens called about them expressing peculiar behavior near Alder St / O Avenue. The individual was ultimately reunited with family after law enforcement verified their identity.
On 05/01/26, the UCSO Drone was deployed from about 1000 hours, until about 1345 hours, in the area of Campbell Street and 14th Street in Baker City, Oregon. This was in coordination with the Northeast Oregon Regional SWAT Team in execution of a search warrant. The drone provided overwatch of the operation and allowed Command Staff to remotely view the situation.
On 05/04/26, the UCSO Drone was deployed from about 0000 hours, until about 0315 hours, un the area of Phillips Creek, just outside of Elgin. This was done in coordination with the Union County Search and Rescue Team to help locate a lost person in a densely wooded area. The drone’s thermal imaging was able to rule out several areas and worked in conjunction with ground teams. The person who became lost after foraging for mushrooms was located and determined to be safe at about 1000 hours.