MANSFIELD, Ohio —Local business HYSight Technologies started selling drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in January. In just three months, they have experienced what co-owner Ryan Anschutz described as dynamic growth.
Anschutz said the company’s growth is due to the low cost of their drones. Co-owner John Bartolucci added that their technology could greatly reduce the amount of time it takes for search and rescue missions.
“Our technology will give law enforcement and fire departments what they need for possibly under $10,000,” said Anschutz.
HYSight is making UAVs affordable to police forces and fire departments in municipalities with tight budgets. Their technology offers safety departments with options such as infrared cameras, night vision and thermal sensors.
The company, based in Mansfield, price their base package technology at a competitive $2,500. Although there are various kinds all over the states, said Anschutz, there are some that have sold to police departments for $160,000.
“Being able to assess a situation from a distance could save a life,” said Anschutz. “And that’s invaluable.”
He recalled a situation where a police officer was checking the premise of an alleged marijuana dealer. Upon entering the area, the officer was injured by a shower of unexpected bullets. “If he had a drone, he could have sent it up and seen what he was getting into. That might have been avoided,” he said.
The two have a combined 20 years of experience when it comes to public safety. Both work as police officers. They are also trained by and are members of Project Life Saver, a nonprofit that provides timely response to missing individuals. Anschutz is finishing a Master’s degree in Homeland Security Administration; he has a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. Bartolucci has been actively involved with law enforcement for 10 years.
Both are certified student pilots with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Bartolucci completed ground school and is currently in flight training.
Bartolucci is also knowledgeable in technology solutions. He has owned his own tech solutions company, Ad Hoc Technology Consulting, for seven years.
“That really helps with the tech side of things for HYSight,” said Bartolucci.
Both Bartolucci and Anschutz stressed that locals don’t need to worry about police departments using drones illicitly.
“They aren’t a bad thing. You’re not going to have police departments peeking into back windows. We operate under federal laws. Public safety and saving lives are our goal. Drones have the capability of taking out some of the danger and guess work involved in police work,” said Bartolucci.
Anschutz added, “We still have to use a search warrant when using drones to search property.”
For more information on HYSight Technologies’ drones, visit their website or Facebook page. Or call 419-528-5963.
“Being able to assess a situation from a distance could save a life,” said Ryan Anschutz. “And that’s invaluable.”
