Community funds volunteer drone program in Faulkner County

Synopsis

The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit (FCSORU) is an all-volunteer team of fully certified law enforcement officers who contribute more than 8,000 hours of service each year. Through a community-funded partnership, the unit launched a Skydio drone program to bring advanced technology to rural areas of Arkansas.

Since its inception, the program has completed 56 missions, supporting agencies across the region. Highlights include assisting the U.S. Marshals Service in apprehending five dangerous fugitives, locating a missing 76-year-old dementia patient, intervening in two suicide threats, and providing aerial reconnaissance for special response teams. With no taxpayer funding, this community-backed initiative has delivered life-saving results and strengthened public safety across Faulkner County.