April skies over Erie County will be humming and buzzing with improved services and programs for county residents as the new Erie County Drone Task Force (“the Task Force”) deploys today to ensure more timely and effective interactions with county residents. Primarily the Task Force, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to reach people remotely, will utilize approximately three hundred T-800 TMax  drones with full remote capacities to address issues in the county’s farthest-flung corners within a matter of minutes. Residents will be able to access and sign up for county programs, pay taxes, request information, or even order food and drinks with delivery guaranteed through the new service.

“Industrial drones are everywhere and are just a fact of life these days, so we thought ‘Why not just add some to the county workforce?’ Likely they will be out there every day, even weekends and holidays, and can be where needed within a matter of minutes to bring vital information or even just a bear claw and a cup of joe anywhere in the county. Furthermore, as this service develops and residents come to be used to it, we think there will be even more uses,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.  “Our Task Force can provide nearly-instantaneous feedback for people by being on-site within minutes, so residents won’t have to wonder what their government is doing for them; it will show up on their doorstep momentarily. Out of a certain form, interested in departments or job listings? Let’s get that information and more for you. Services will never be the same.”

Known as the “workhorse of the digital world” the T-800 TMax drone sports a versatile, 1500 hp engine capable of reaching speeds up to 300 mph within 60 seconds of launch. It has a shockproof, heavy-duty catalyzed metal frame capable of withstanding pressure of more than 400 psi while reaching altitudes of 2,000 feet and with a carrying capacity of nearly 20 lbs. Used extensively by the military for operations worldwide, it is easily convertible to civilian use, is rechargeable and has smiley-face stickers on it so residents will know it is benevolent. Also, they rarely crash.

Poloncarz continued, “This Task Force brings our Department of Information and Support Services  more fully into the 21^st century and gives us a very close connection to residents. These drones are the most eager-to-please little guys you’ve ever seen and can deliver any type of information anywhere in the county, along with a tray of coffee and cruellers. We are working to increase our informational offerings and also develop a sandwich menu, so keep watching the skies!”

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