Create Demand with Bill McMurrer and Ryan Reid of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office

In this compelling episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, we delve into the innovative world of law enforcement drone programs with Bill McMurrer and Ryan Reid from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. With decades of combined experience, they shed light on transforming a traditional law enforcement approach into a cutting-edge UAS initiative. From initial challenges to building a robust program, McMurrer and Reid discuss the strategic utilization of drones for various operations, including search and rescue, tactical support, and community engagement. Learn how they cultivated a culture of excellence, empowering officers with advanced drone technology to enhance public safety.

About Bill McMurrer

Sergeant Bill McMurrer serves with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, overseeing the Technical Services Unit and managing the office's Drone Program. With twenty-eight years of law enforcement experience, Sergeant McMurrer holds a Master's in Criminal Justice from Anderson University Command College and an MBA from Columbia College. In spring 2022, he took charge of the GCSO Drone Unit, initially used mainly for search and rescue and preplanned events. Tasked with developing a Patrol Drone Program at GCSO, he, along with a team of skilled drone pilots, revamped the program. It now includes over fifty Part 107 licensed drone pilots across the agency, with drones available 24/7 in patrol car trunks for various scenarios.

About Ryan Reid

Ryan Reid is a dedicated full-time first responder, and certified UAS FAA Part 107 operator at the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. As the Drone Team Admin Program Coordinator, he leads 53 Part 107 certified remote operators and manages 16 drones, conducting over 250 monthly flights.

With over 23 years of first responder experience, Ryan's unwavering commitment to public safety drives his pursuit of advanced knowledge in innovative robotic solutions. He has instructed Part 107 prep courses for over 150 public safety professionals, providing more than 300 hours of practical drone training.

Ryan began as a volunteer firefighter during high school, leading to a career in law enforcement. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security from Anderson University. His exceptional leadership as an incident commander during federally declared incidents in South Carolina earned him the South Carolina State Achievement Ribbon.

Ryan emphasizes the critical role of drone technology in enhancing situational awareness and real-time incident documentation in public safety. He believes that drones are indispensable tools for saving lives and property, benefiting both responders and the public.

In his daily role, Ryan leverages UAS technology and collaborates with his agency's leadership to educate, train, and elevate their UAS program. To date, he has undertaken numerous missions, ranging from locating missing or endangered individuals, and aiding in tactical operations, to documenting critical incidents, all in the name of public safety.

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Contact Bill McMurrer & Ryan Reid:

• Website: https://gcso.org/
• Drone Use Guidelines