Berkeley County Company to Donate Drone for County Rescue Efforts Next Week

Berkeley County-based SKYVIEW AERIAL SOLUTIONS, who donated their equipment and time for the rescue efforts following the summer plane crash of an F-16 and Cessna, will present the drone to Berkeley County Rescue Chief Salisbury and Sheriff Lewis at a special presentation ceremony on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 10 AM at the Rescue Squad Building located at 202 Factory Street in Moncks Corner.

“The generous donation by Skyview Aerial Solutions will go a very long way to save lives in Berkeley County,” said Salisbury, who also serves as Berkeley County’s Coroner. “Often times, our rescue efforts take us to places that are extremely difficult to navigate to, including thick wooded forests and swamps with many tree stump hazards for our boats. This drone will allow our rescue personnel to know not only the exact location for the rescue but also the exact path to get there safely.”

The Sheriff’s Office will also make use of the drone.

“There are many situations where a drone would be very useful to deputies in the field,” said Lewis. “If an endangered adult or child wanders off, a drone could be used to help locate them and to search an area much more quickly than can be done by foot. Having a drone readily available will help the Sheriff’s Office be more efficient while serving the great citizens of Berkeley County.”

Tom Fernandez, CEO of Skyview Aerial Solutions, shared his reason for the donation.

“Chief Salisbury was the first government official to share his needs for this equipment with our firm years ago,” said Fernandez. “The Berkeley County Rescue Squad was also the first government agency for whom we demonstrated equipment and assisted with rescue operations. Skyview Aerial Solutions has been fortunate to grow our company and succeed since these meetings. We are honored to have the ability to donate this equipment and help our own home county, its first responders and its citizens.”