SAN ANTONIO – Several Bexar County deputies are being honored for their drone work during the devastating flooding in the Hill Country.

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office was testing out a drone program at the time, and used their skills to help locate survivors and flood victims.

Deputy John Salazar was one of the pilots who made several trips to the Hill Country.

“We took it to Kerrville and were searching for the survivors and also to recover family members. We recovered multiple,” Salazar said. “The drones were insurmountable.”

Salazar said the drones were also used for mapping to help ground crews determine what areas needed to be checked.

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office sent the following statement about the honored deputies:

The deputies receiving the Meritorious Conduct and Meritorious Service Awards are recognized for their exceptional dedication to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office through their work on the DFR (Drone as First Responder) – Proof of Concept Program.

This innovative initiative, aimed at improving operational readiness through real-time aerial support, required voluntary participation, personal sacrifice, and a rigorous testing process.

Their actions went far beyond routine duty, showcasing the potential of this program to enhance public safety and response efforts.

These deputies exemplify the values of innovation, leadership, and service. Their efforts not only advanced the agency’s capabilities but also delivered meaningful benefits to the community. Their conduct is truly deserving of this distinguished recognition.

Bexar County recently completed its “proof of concept,” testing out a new drone model. They had one “hive” of three drones. If the program were to expand, the goal would be to have a hive for each precinct. Currently, BCSO has about 30 drones, operating out of a high-tech van.

BCSO has not brought the idea of drone expansion directly to Commissioners Court yet, based on how the test run lined up with the budget cycle.

RELATED: Bexar County may expand drone program to boost safety, cut response times

We’re told the department would likely seek grant funding to cover some of the costs and may bring this up for next year’s budget.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Grant Moody says it’s an idea worth flying with.

“This is a good opportunity for Bexar County to be on the cutting edge for our community and enhance public safety, and at the same time do that at a lower cost to taxpayers,” said Moody. “It’s proven out enough at this point that it’s worth making an additional investment in.”

However, BCSO stresses that while drones are a valuable tool, they will never replace deputies on the ground.

“A drone will never arrest somebody. It will never stop someone’s violent action. It’s a deterrent and more of an evidence-gathering device,” said Salazar.