Drone aids officers to recover missing children

DECATURVILLE, Tenn.—Fast response from officers and the use of a drone helps recover two missing children in Decaturville.

Read the full news release below:

For Immediate Release:

On the evening of December 19, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 1900 block of Camper Road in Decaturville regarding two missing children—one age 5 and one age 3—both of whom are autistic. Multiple deputies responded to the call, along with a trooper from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Credit: Decatur Co. Sheriff’s Office

The first deputy arrived on scene at 3:08 p.m. and immediately began searching the area surrounding the residence. Additional units arrived shortly thereafter, and the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office thermal imaging drone was deployed to assist in the search.

Within 31 minutes of the initial dispatch, both children were successfully located through the combined efforts of responding deputies and the use of the thermal imaging drone.

Credit: Decatur Co. Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff King stated, “I am proud of our deputies for their quick response and teamwork, as well as the effective deployment of our drone, which allows us to search larger areas more efficiently than manpower alone.”

This drone has been successfully deployed in past incidents with positive and effective results. It remains one of many vital tools the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office utilizes to enhance response capabilities, improve search efforts, and better serve and protect the citizens of Decatur County.

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