Sheriff’s Deputies Use Drones on Lifesaving Calls

January 26, 2026
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

Dane County Sheriff’s deputies used drones during two potentially lifesaving calls in a single overnight shift over the weekend.
Just before 1:00 am on Sunday, January 25th, deputies responded to the town of Bristol for an intoxicated man who had left his house after a verbal argument, wearing only pajamas and tennis shoes in temperatures well below zero. A drone equipped with night vision was used, allowing deputies to find the man quickly and transport him safely home.
Just a few hours later, members of the Sheriff’s Office drone team, along with the Cottage Grove Fire Department, responded to Kegonsa State Park to help a man stranded on Lake Kegonsa. He had walked out onto the ice but became worried when it started cracking beneath him, and he didn’t think he could get back to shore safely. Working with the firefighters on the ice, the deputies used drones to guide everyone safely back to shore.
“Drones have become an essential tool for our deputies in many situations,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “Drone technology continues to improve, and our team of operators keeps up with the advancements and uses it creatively to save lives.”
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office currently has 14 certified UAV (drone) operators on their team.