The Okmulgee County Emergency Management sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Team is dedicated to enhancing situational awareness, operational efficiency, and responder safety by strategically deploying advanced drone technology. This team’s mission is to provide rapid, accurate aerial intelligence that supports informed decision-making across all phases of emergency management—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation—while also leveraging community resources for better outcomes.
The UAS fleet includes one DJI Matrice 4T, two DJI Avata 2 platforms, and one DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual. This diverse fleet offers capabilities such as thermal imaging, high-resolution visual sensors, and agile FPV flight, making it suitable for confined or complex operational environments.
Operating under a Part 91 Certificate of Authorization (COA) and associated waivers, the team maintains compliance with federal aviation regulations, ensuring safe integration of drone technology into the National Airspace System while expanding operational capabilities in support of public safety missions.
During disaster response operations, the UAS team delivers real-time aerial imagery and rapid damage assessments, allowing emergency managers to identify impacted areas, prioritize resources, and coordinate response efforts effectively. In wildfire incidents, drones are deployed to monitor fire behavior, detect hotspots through thermal imaging, and support containment strategies, thereby reducing risks to personnel.
The team is also a critical asset in search and rescue missions, efficiently covering large or hard-to-access areas. Equipped with advanced sensors, UAS platforms assist in locating missing persons and provide essential overwatch to ground teams. During structure fires, drones support incident commanders with roof inspections, fire progression analysis, and post-incident documentation, enhancing overall emergency management efforts.
In addition to emergency response, the UAS team conducts mapping operations that produce high-resolution orthomosaic imagery and 3D models to aid in planning, recovery, and mitigation efforts. They also perform utility and infrastructure inspections, identifying damage or vulnerabilities in critical systems like power lines, bridges, and public facilities.
Furthermore, the team supports law enforcement by providing aerial overwatch during critical incidents and public events, enhancing situational awareness and operational coordination. By leveraging these capabilities, the Okmulgee County Emergency Management UAS Team acts as a force multiplier, delivering timely, actionable intelligence that strengthens public safety and community resilience.