New Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office Drone Honors Sgt. Smith’s Memory

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office has a new drone, made possible by a donation in memory of Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Jim Smith. 

This spring, Kathy Smith donated nearly $1,500 to the Sheriff’s Office in memory of her husband, Sgt. Smith, of Independence, who died in the line of duty in 2021.

The funds were used to purchase a small drone capable of being flown indoors to clear buildings and confined areas that need to be searched in a safe and effective way. The Sheriff’s Office received this drone late last month and has now officially put it into service.

This drone, in the Sheriff’s Office’s inventory list, is called “Air 4”. To honor Sergeant Smith’s memory, it will be referred to as “Air 4(62)” to pay homage to Sergeant Smith’s badge number, 462.  The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office says they are very grateful for Kathy’s donation and to be able to use this as a way to honor Sergeant Smith.

photos courtesy of Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office