Scott County Sheriff’s Office Expands Emergency Response Capabilities with New Rescue Vehicle and Drone
By The Hub News Staff Reports
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has significantly enhanced its emergency response and public safety capabilities with the recent addition of two critical tools: a new all-terrain rescue and response vehicle and a state-of-the-art drone. These acquisitions are aimed at improving the department’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies across the county’s eight cities, ten townships, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
The all-terrain vehicle, funded through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) approved in the 2022 federal budget, is built for rapid deployment in challenging conditions such as rural terrain, flooded roadways, and natural disasters. Equipped with advanced ballistic protection and a powerful 4x4 drivetrain, the vehicle can transport up to 12 people, making it a vital asset for evacuations, medical aid delivery, and de-escalation in high-risk situations.
“This vehicle is a vital, life-saving tool that will enhance our ability to respond to crises and de-escalate dangerous situations, protecting both civilians and first responders,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen. The rescue vehicle will be available for mutual aid requests from neighboring counties and can be deployed during statewide emergencies.
In addition to the rescue vehicle, the Sheriff’s Office has also acquired a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone, thanks to a $15,768 matching grant through the combined efforts of the Shakopee, Belle Plaine, New Prague, Savage, and Prior Lake Rotary Clubs.
The drone will bolster a range of operations including search and rescue, crime scene investigation, disaster response, and large-scale event monitoring. Its advanced aerial capabilities will enhance situational awareness, speed up response times, and allow for safer operations during critical incidents.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our local Rotary Clubs and their commitment to public safety,” said Sheriff Hennen. “This drone is more than just a piece of technology—it is a vital resource that will help us protect and serve our community more effectively.”
The grant also enabled the Sheriff’s Office to expand its drone team by training and equipping new pilots, ensuring rapid and skilled deployment of the UAV when needed.
You can hear more about the Scott County Sheriff’s use of drones and other technology in The Hub Podcast # 26 with Sheriff Luke Hennen.
