George Mason University Police’s drone teams assisted the Virginia Department of Emergency Management by inspecting dams and power lines in Ivanhoe, Virginia following Hurricane Helene. They also provided a Starlink system to restore communication services to the Asheville Police Department after severe flooding. Their efforts reflect a commitment to public safety and effective emergency response management.
The police department of George Mason University recently deployed its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to assist the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) in mitigating the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Based in Ivanhoe, Virginia, situated between Carroll and Wythe counties, the primary objective of the mission was to conduct aerial inspections of two historic dams constructed in 1912 and 1913, as well as to assess the power distribution lines that are associated with these structures. The state experienced unprecedented precipitation, resulting from the hurricane, which led to the second highest recorded water levels and flow rates in the New River since 1940, surpassing the dams’ design capacity. While ground access to the power lines was challenging due to rugged terrain, the Mason Police’s drone team successfully navigated the landscape, operating above and across the mountains to enable engineers to remotely assess damage via livestreaming capabilities. This proactive drone application facilitated a safer and more efficient inspection process for Appalachian Power. Additionally, the Mason Police responded to a subsequent request for assistance after extensive flooding severely disrupted communication services in Asheville, North Carolina. In light of this emergency, the Asheville Police Department sought a Starlink system to restore essential cell and internet services at their headquarters. Mason Police, equipped with Starlink technology, dispatched Corporal Blaine Ries, who traveled through Tennessee to circumvent more extensive storm damage. Upon arrival in Asheville just after midnight on October 1, he quickly established the Starlink network, thus restoring critical communication links for emergency management operations. Furthermore, the George Mason Police Department’s drone teams have established a reputation as significant resources, offering aerial support and training to various law enforcement agencies. Notably, they provided a weeklong drone training course for over 20 police and fire department personnel in southwest Virginia at the request of the Virginia Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, aiding them in initiating their own drone operations. The department comprises over 135 personnel, including more than 50 sworn officers, dedicated to servicing the Fairfax, Mason Square, and SciTech campuses, and maintains collaborative partnerships with multiple local law enforcement agencies, enhancing their operational capabilities.
The deployment of George Mason University’s police drone technology demonstrates the increasingly vital role that such systems play during natural disasters. With the advent of powerful hurricanes, emergency management requires innovative approaches to assess damage and maintain communication in affected regions. This situation specifically illustrates the department’s commitment to collaborating with state agencies and regional police departments to enhance public safety and emergency response. The use of drones has become integral for real-time assessments, especially in scenarios where traditional ground approaches may be impeded by hazardous conditions.
In conclusion, the proactive deployment of the George Mason University Police’s UAS technology serves dual purposes: immediate disaster assessment and restoration of vital communication services following Hurricane Helene. Through their innovative efforts, the Mason Police have significantly contributed to the operational effectiveness of local law enforcement and emergency management during crises. Their established drone training initiatives further exemplify their ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety preparedness across agencies.
Original Source: www.gmu.edu
