CBS19, SARAH ALLEN

MITRE, a nonprofit drone company, held its Drone Range kickoff Monday to discuss the importance of the advancement of drone technology in law enforcement and future generations.

“This is so exciting. We are so thrilled to be here. So, MITRE is a nonprofit with about 10,000 employees, and we are really excited to bring some of our capabilities that we typically use to support the U.S. Federal Government to first responders, and where better than Orange County?” Steve King, senior manager at MITRE, said.

MITRE hosted the Drone Range Kickoff in Orange County to celebrate the new site that will serve as a testing ground for MITRE’s technologists and U.S. government sponsors to develop and test the newest technology.

The kickoff included speakers from Orange County law enforcement, and Representative Abigail Spanberger to discuss the benefits of drone technology, especially in law enforcement and for first responders.

“Well, I think it’s extraordinary. We have heard some stories from the fire chief in Orange County, sheriff in Orange County, and sheriff in Loudoun about the impact that drones have on their ability to,” Spanberger said.

Orange County Public Schools will also be implementing an after-school program within certain middle and high schools to expand student knowledge of drones and advanced technology.

“It’s pretty amazing because it means that students are going to have a comfort and knowledge of this technology,” Spanberger said.

With younger generations already immersed in technology, implementing drone classes will allow students to advance their technological skills in the real world.

“I see drones as one avenue as a ticket to the future for our students and is a component of our workforce development and honestly, is a component of national security as well,” Dan Hornick, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, said.