State’s new drone fleet to help with investigations, inspections

By Emily Mieure
Emily Mieure

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Apr 7, 2021
Apr 7, 2021
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Wyoming Highway Patrol drone — Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Matt Brackin photographs the parking areas along Highway 22 for Wyoming Department of Transportation avalanche forecaster Brenden Cronin. Highway Patrol bought nine drones with grant funding that will primarily help with crash investigations, though they also plan to use the drones should other nearby agencies need aerial photos or video.
RYAN DORGAN / NEWS&GUIDE photos

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Matt Brackin photographs the parking areas along Highway 22 for Wyoming Department of Transportation avalanche forecaster Brenden Cronin. Highway Patrol bought nine drones with grant funding that will primarily help with crash investigations, though they also plan to use the drones should other nearby agencies need aerial photos or video.
RYAN DORGAN / NEWS&GUIDE photos

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A federal innovation grant is helping the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol launch a statewide drone program.

Lt. Matt Brackin, the Highway Patrol’s first certified pilot, said options are endless for how drones will help in their everyday work.

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A Parrot Anafi drone hovers above Highway 22 recently at Teton Pass. It’s part of a fleet of nine being flown around Wyoming by state employees.
RYAN DORGAN / NEWS&GUIDE

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Wyoming Highway Patrol has committed to partner with WYDOT to help avalanche forecasters get a bird’s-eye view of avalanche debris and start zones to avoid having to hike into avalanche terrain or hire a helicopter pilot
RYAN DORGAN / NEWS&GUIDE

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Contact Emily Mieure at 732-7066 or courts@jhnewsandguide.com.

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