(COLDWATER) - The Branch County Sheriff's Office has announced a $10,000 donation from Michigan Gas Utilities, in partnership with the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, to support the continued development and enhancement of the agency's Unmanned Aircraft System program.
Sheriff Fred Blankenship said the donation will help improve the office's drone capabilities through the acquisition of equipment, technology, training and other resources to support public safety operations throughout Branch County.
The Sheriff's Office said drones have become an important tool for law enforcement and emergency response agencies. The technology assists with search and rescue operations, disaster response, missing person investigations, accident reconstruction, crime scene documentation and assessments of hazardous or inaccessible areas.
Officials said the agency has increasingly used drone technology during emergency incidents, severe weather events, search operations and criminal investigations. The donation is expected to help ensure the office remains prepared to respond to the community's evolving needs.
In a statement included with the announcement, Blankenship thanked Michigan Gas Utilities and the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation for their support of public safety efforts in Branch County.