CORINTH, ME – In a small Maine town, drones have taken on a new role beyond their typical uses. Robert Russell, owner of 2A Tack Drone Services, is on a mission to show the positive impact these flying devices can have, especially in search and rescue operations.
Russell, who has a knack for giving his drones quirky personalities, spends his days helping locate missing pets and livestock. His company deploys drones equipped with infrared cameras to find everything from lost dogs to wandering horses.
On a routine Sunday assignment, Russell was searching for two missing beagles, Bandit and Holly, when he encountered an unexpected challenge. His drone’s sensors signaled an issue, which he initially dismissed as a bird strike. However, upon closer inspection, he discovered something more alarming: his drone had been shot down.
The incident occurred 366 feet above ground, nearly at the drone’s maximum altitude. Despite the humor Russell found in the situation, the consequences were serious. The damage would cost thousands to repair, and more gravely, it constituted a felony under FAA regulations, equating to firing at a passenger aircraft.
Remarkably, despite the setback, Russell’s drone was instrumental in reuniting Holly with her owner, Jamie Dunton. The search extended to a neighboring town, where Russell’s efforts paid off. Though Bandit remains missing, the successful recovery of Holly has given Dunton renewed hope.
Russell’s work is life-changing, bringing relief and joy to families through successful reunions, often documented on his YouTube channel. His stories, filled with emotional rescues, showcase the significant role drones can play in search and rescue missions.
While Russell is determined to continue his work, he remains hopeful that future missions will proceed without interference. The incident with the drone has been reported to the FBI, and Russell believes an investigation is underway, although official confirmation remains elusive.