MFA Oil awarded the Howell County Sheriff’s Office a $2,000 grant check to help acquire its first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) training drone. Each year, MFA Oil awards cash grants to support nonprofit organizations, aimed at strengthening and growing rural communities through valuable resources.

The Howell County Sheriff’s Office’s new drone unit will consist of two deputies: Talon Millard and Nicholas Bruno. This unit will be trained to perform various tasks, including:

– Surveillance: Monitor large areas for suspicious activity, such as illegal gatherings or drug transactions.

– Search and rescue: help locate missing persons or suspects in large areas, especially in difficult terrain or adverse weather conditions.

– Document crime scenes: capture evidence at crime scenes or accident scenes.

– Support SWAT or Bomb Squad: Provide assistance to SWAT teams or bomb squads when needed.

– Respond to shots fired: Quickly respond to reports of shots fired.

– Overwatch: Provides a wider view of the scene to protect agents on the ground.

– Security of major events: ensuring security during major events.

This grant request was submitted in September 2024 by Sheriff-Elect Matt Roberts in an effort to assist the Howell County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Brent Campbell plans to purchase two thermal drones before his term as sheriff ends, and new members of the Drone Unit have training school reservations for January 2025.