complete volunteer application here.

Kootenai County Search and Rescue Drone Team

“Eyes in the Sky”

In the rugged terrain, dense forests, and waterways of North Idaho, every minute counts. The Drone Team provides rapid aerial support to locate missing people, assess terrain, and support ground teams—day or night, in most conditions.

Who We Are

A specialized unit within Kootenai County Volunteer Search and Rescue, operating under the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

  • 8 dedicated team members
  • Multiple FAA Part 107 certified pilots
  • Advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS)


We enhance traditional search efforts with drone technology—improving speed, safety, and coverage in wilderness and low-visibility environments.

What We Do

  • Missing and lost person searches
  • Wilderness and backcountry operations
  • Terrain assessment and hazard identification
  • Coordination with ground teams and K9 units

Our Capabilities

  • Matrice 30T – weather-resistant with thermal imaging, zoom camera, and laser rangefinder
  • Mavic 3T – high-performance thermal detection for night and low-light searches
  • Air Series – rapid deployment for reconnaissance

Thermal imaging allows detection of heat signatures—even in darkness or dense vegetation—while high-resolution cameras provide real-time situational awareness to ground teams and incident command.

Safety & Training

  • Extensive flight training and ongoing proficiency
  • Strict adherence to FAA regulations
  • Coordinated operations through the Sheriff’s Office

Our Team

A committed group of volunteers dedicated to readiness, professionalism, and effective mission support.

KCVSAR Drone Team

Join or Support

Interested in volunteering with the Drone Team and the broader Kootenai County Search and Rescue? We welcome individuals with relevant skills, especially those holding or willing to obtain FAA Part 107 certification.

Donate to help us maintain and upgrade our equipment so we can continue serving the community effectively.