Township to sell drone on government auction site

Anna Wiest, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·1 min read

Apr. 22—MAHONING TWP. — The Mahoning Township Police Department will have a drone for sale after township supervisors unanimously approved the action Tuesday night.

The department purchased a two-drone set in 2020 for a total of $13,475.

The idea originated with township zoning officers Dean VonBlohn and Jim Dragano to use for mapping difficult-to-reach properties, viewing erosion, inspecting buildings and other uses. Officials feel the police also could use a drone to reconstruct crash scenes, map crime scenes, search and rescue with thermal imaging, manage traffic flow and use for other purposes.

The police department's drone was replaced last year, according to Chief Fred Dyroff.

The drone purchased in 2020 will be listed for sale on Municibid, an online government auction site, according to the motion made by township Supervisor John Whelan.

— ANNA WIEST