Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Outreach Group, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office has a drone that will help with search and rescues.

It’s not a stretch to think that the new eyes in the skies could be the difference between life and death in situations where seconds matter.

Sheriff’s deputies have spent this week getting certified to operate the drones and officially completed that last hurdle Thursday.

The equipment hopefully won’t be used anytime soon, but deputies are now ready when the need does arise.

The Alzheimer’s Outreach Group donated the drone as part of its outreach in the community. Those who suffer with Alzheimer’s as well as autism are known to wander. These include the elderly and children, among the most vulnerable members of society.

The drone is equipment with a 360 camera and an infrared camera. It’s hard to imagine the impact the cameras will have in searches, especially in wooded or hard to reach areas.

The Alzheimer’s Outreach Group and director Oscar Calloway should be thanked for the work they do in trying to keep citizens safe. We also appreciate the sheriff’s office making time to have deputies certified to use the drones.