News

Sullivan County Sheriff seeks grants to buy drones

By GLYNIS HART
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UNITY — The Sullivan County Board of Commissioners approved a request by Sheriff John Simonds to apply for two grants to start a drone program, along with other items of interest on the Monday meeting’s agenda. 

Sheriff Simonds said if the grants come through there would be no cost to the county to start the program. 

“At first I thought it would be too expensive,” said Chief Deputy Jeremy Wilson. “But we met with Strafford County about their program and learned we can do it fairly cheaply.”

Wilson said it would cost around $11,260 for two small drones, startup equipment and training. The two grants, through Mascoma Bank and Claremont Savings Bank, would cover those costs. 

“I really believe this could be of major benefit to the county,” said Wilson. The drone could be used for search and rescue operations, incident command, tactical deployments in wooded areas. “Everyone you talk to has a use for it.” 

The county commissioners asked what costs the county would have to pay. “I think it’s a valuable tool,” said Jeff Barrett, “But I have an issue with buying a piece of equipment that causes overtime expenses.”

“The expense to us would be our call out,” said George Hebert. 

Ben Nelson said it could be useful when a nursing home resident wanders away, which occasionally happens. “If Sally wanders away from the rest home, you guys are on Search and Rescue already.” 

“Yes, if we’re in the area,” said Wilson. 

The commissioners approved the grant applications, with the caveat that any future expenses to the county would be carefully considered. 

“Don’t take this as I’m opposed,” said Barrett. “I just want to keep the county budget as lean as possible.” 

The county attorney’s office also asked for a grant application approval. This grant would fund a temporary (six months) part time position to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence. Called the Services Training Officers Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Formula Grant program, it requires a 25 percent match from the county, which John Gasaway of the County Attorney’s office said could be met in-kind by his personnel hours.

The commissioners approved the grant application.

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