Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) recently recognized three officers with the prestigious Commander’s Award of Excellence for their leadership and innovative work with the CPD Drone Unit.
Field Training Officers (FTO) Jason Clemons and Bailey Dropp, along with Sergeant Jeffrey Miller, were honored for their transformative contributions to the department’s drone operations in 2024.
The CPD Drone Unit has significantly enhanced public safety in Chattanooga, conducting a total of 303 missions last year. These operations led to 100 successful apprehensions and the locating of suspects in critical incidents, such as shootings and robberies.
The unit also played a vital role in rescuing a lost child. In addition to their emergency response efforts, the Drone Unit provided monitoring for over 160 local events, ensuring crowd safety and efficient management.
Both FTO Clemons and FTO Dropp performed 137 of the 303 flights in 2024, demonstrating their extensive experience and commitment to the program. Their work in the unit has set a high standard for drone operations within the department and beyond.
Sgt. Miller, who oversees the Drone Unit, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments. “Our success is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our officers. We are committed to using innovative technologies to enhance safety in Chattanooga, and it is an honor to be recognized for that effort,” he said.
The CPD Drone Unit’s contributions have not only improved tactical operations, but have also strengthened public trust in law enforcement. Its work is now recognized as a national model, inspiring other law enforcement agencies to adopt similar technologies to ensure the safety of their communities.
The Drone Unit’s effective integration of unmanned aerial vehicles into law enforcement operations demonstrates the department’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to staying ahead of emerging technology trends in public safety. With their continued efforts, the CPD Drone Unit aims to set even higher standards for the future of policing.