L-R, Detective Sergeant Thad Chartrand, Dan Batts(Orchard Hill Landfill), Scott Wahlstrom(Lane Automotive), Sheriff Paul Bailey, Brad LeValley, Tad Webber(LeValley Chevrolet), Underhsheriff Chuck Heit and Chief Deputy Robert Boyce.

On Wednesday, October 27, 2021 the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office recognized three local businesses who donated funds for the Sheriff’s Office to purchase an additional drone. Representatives from LeValley Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, Lane Automotive and Orchard Hill Sanitary Landfill were present to be recognized.

These three local businesses partnered to provide the funding needed for the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office to purchase an Autel EVO II Dual unmanned drone. The EVO II is equipped with high-resolution thermal camera in a compact platform. It is able to collect and provide two image sets at once with the use of both thermal and visible imagery.

Photo showing the thermal and visible imagery captured by the EVO II drone

This is the second drone that has been added to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office has been able to apprehend seven individuals using this technology and it also helps with locating missing persons and collecting evidence at traffic crashes and crime scenes.Sheriff Bailey stated:

“We are extremely fortunate to have generous businesses that are willing to partner with our agency to help us acquire tools like this.”