The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) have approved Spotsylvania County’s FFY 2017 SHSP grant application request in the amount of $45,150.  If accepted by the Board of Supervisors, these federal pass through funds will be utilized by the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of two UASs, associated accessories, shipping, and UAS training.  The Sheriff’s Office will be the implementing agency for this regional grant, with partners to include the Sheriff’s Offices from the Counties of Caroline, Louisa, and Orange, as well as the Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management.  The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office currently has four certified and licensed Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) UAS pilots and has adopted a General Order for the operation of the UASs.  The UASs will be housed in the County for quick response to any potential threat within the County and/or to the partnering jurisdictions.  If deployed to the partnering jurisdictions, the UASs will be operated by Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office FAA licensed UAS pilots.

There is no local match requirement for this award.  However, the Sheriff’s Office will be responsible for all costs associated with licensing, registration fees, insurance, and all ongoing operational expenses.  The Sheriff’s Office anticipates that these costs can be absorbed through their FY 2019 Adopted Budget or Asset Forfeiture.  The County has until October 12^th, 2018 to accept the award.  If accepted, grant funds will be available until March 31^st, 2019.

Major Carter Wells, Sheriff’s Office

Captain Charles Carey, Sheriff’s Office