Homecoming Heroes: MOV Drone Workz Aids Fire Departments and Saves Dogs

DEVOLA, Ohio (WTAP) – Tom Sherman originally launched MOV Drone Workz with an emphasis on marketing and advertising. Following a marketing collaboration with the Reno Volunteer Fire Department, Sherman opted to pivot his efforts towards working closely with them instead.

“When I started using thermal drones a few years back, it completely transformed things since we could effectively utilize these assets alongside local fire departments,” Sherman explained. “With my firefighting background, I eventually returned to Reno where I took on the role of lead pilot for their aviation program.”

Ever since, MOV Drone Workz has been aiding the Reno Volunteer Fire Department and the Devola Volunteer Fire Company.

Sherman helps out across various activities including search and rescue missions, fighting brush fires, conducting drone training sessions, and addressing other requirements of the fire department during emergency situations.

We practice together at least once every month," explained Jesse Lehman from the Devola Volunteer Fire Company. "Up until now, we've responded to just one brushfire incident where we conducted an assessment of the site and provided precise measurements regarding the extent of damage. This allowed us to determine the specific area affected for documentation; consequently, they could report the correct number of acres to the ODNR to secure reimbursement.

Sherman likewise employs the drones during his leisure hours to assist locals in locating their missing pets.

Sarah Rollison, who volunteers her time, assists in capturing dogs with support from MOV Drone Workz.

We simply aim to locate a secure spot nearby where the live traps can be effective," explained Rollison. "Should they become frightened and take flight, that's when we deploy our traps along with using the drone for surveillance.

On April 12, Sara Schad's dog, Annie, went missing when she wasn’t at home.

Following help from MOV Drone Workz, Annie, who goes by the nickname "Tater-tot," was located safely.

I reviewed the camera footage; she had vanished right away," Schad stated. "Neighbors along with my grown-up kids joined forces to look for her. She stayed overnight in the forest, but then Sarah reached out to the MOV drones which conducted an extensive search and found her. With this information, we identified where to place our trap. After 60 hours, we successfully caught her, and she has since returned home.

Jesse mentions that he is attempting to bring other fire stations in Washington County onboard with drone operations.

Their sole wait right now is for our gear to arrive," Jesse stated. "Once our equipment gets here, having pilots at the location means observers and ground crew can also be present. Since we already know where we need to go, plans can be made beforehand. With the arrival of the equipment, drones could quickly take flight, starting their tasks immediately. Currently, we're actively recruiting across the entire county to bring more departments into our team.

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