By Y.M. Lowy

Members of the Orange County Department of Emergency Services recently joined the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for specialized drone training.

The training focused on how drones can be used during emergencies, including search-and-rescue operations, damage assessments and large-scale incidents.

Drones can give emergency responders an aerial view of an incident, allowing them to quickly assess the situation and gather information without putting additional personnel in harm’s way.

The joint training also gives local and state responders an opportunity to work together and prepare for situations where multiple agencies may be called to the same emergency.