Donated police drones help prepare Hillyard students for future careers
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Hillyard Technical Center recognized the St. Joseph Police Department on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for donating drones which will give students hands-on experience with the same technology used in the field.
Hillyard Technical Center Director Chris Gagnon said the partnership is a win for both students and the community.
“Anytime we can build a partnership really with anybody, but especially somebody that has a far-reaching influence as the police department, it's a win-win for everybody,” he said.
He said the donated drones will put cutting-edge technology into students' hands, giving them experience with equipment currently used in law enforcement and aviation.
Gagnon said that exposure can help students become industry-ready from day one by allowing them to build skills and confidence before entering the workforce.
“We really like investing in the community, so earlier this year we were able to secure funding for new state-of-the-art drones,” Police Chief Paul Luster said.
Luster said investing in the community is an important part of the department's mission, and donating the drones is a good way to provide value to taxpayers.
Rather than letting the older equipment sit unused, he said the department wanted to put it in the hands of students who can benefit from it.
“We wanted to donate that to the schools so they are able to give access of that to the students and support their aviation program and their law enforcement program," Luster said.
Gagnon said the drones will be incorporated into the program because the FAA now offers a drone pilot certification.
He also noted how Hillyard will add a law and public safety branch to its law enforcement program this year.
“So obviously these are tools that are being used in law enforcement which gives our students the opportunity to gain exposure and proficiency in it,” he said.
The St. Joseph Police Department will replace the donated drones with newer models featuring advanced technology, including high-definition cameras, infrared imaging capabilities and longer flight times.
