FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Valley Fire & Rescue – Mason County, West Virginia
February 23, 2026
Valley Fire & Rescue Drone Task Force Locates Missing Teens During Multi‑Agency Search
Glenwood, WV — On the evening of February 21, 2026, Valley Fire & Rescue’s Drone Task Force successfully located two missing juveniles during a multi‑agency search in a remote off‑road area near Guyan Creek Road on the Mason/Cabell County line.
The incident began at 8:48 p.m. when Valley Fire & Rescue was dispatched to Whitten Ridge Road near the Kanawha Trace Trail for two teens reported missing while riding a side‑by‑side. Responders were later redirected to the Guyan Creek Road and Gwinn Road area, a location known locally for off‑road riding.
Valley Fire & Rescue deployed Drone 2, Rescue 23, and Chief 201, launching a DJI M30 drone at approximately 10:00 p.m. to begin aerial search operations. Using the drone’s thermal imaging system, the team identified a heat signature and confirmed the missing riders’ location at approximately 10:10 p.m. The teens had become lost, and while trying to find their way out, high water flooded their side‑by‑side, leaving them unable to navigate out of the area.
After obtaining precise GPS coordinates, the M30 guided ground crews from Milton Volunteer Fire Department, who approached from the Cabell County side. Ohio River Road Volunteer Fire Department, was also assisting on the Cabell County Side. Valley Fire & Rescue then deployed its DJI M4T drone equipped with a spotlight to signal the subjects and assist ground personnel with navigation in the rugged terrain. Both drones maintained aerial overwatch until rescuers reached the teens.
Throughout the search, Valley Fire & Rescue provided real‑time video feeds to Milton VFD crews using the department’s apparatus‑mounted display, ensuring all responders had the same aerial view and situational awareness.
The juveniles were uninjured and were brought safely out of the area, where family members were waiting.
Agencies involved in the search included:
- Milton Volunteer Fire Department
- Ohio River Road Volunteer Fire Department
- Cabell County EMS
- Cabell County Emergency Management
- Valley Fire & Rescue Drone Task Force
This marks the first confirmed locate by the Valley Fire & Rescue Drone Task Force since its establishment in August of 2025, underscoring the value of aerial search technology in rural and hard‑to‑access areas.
“We’re grateful for the coordinated response from all agencies involved,” said Valley Fire & Rescue. “Rapid deployment of thermal imaging, aerial overwatch, and real‑time intelligence helped bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”
The Valley Fire & Rescue Drone Task Force continues to support regional public safety agencies with aerial search capabilities, thermal imaging, and situational intelligence to enhance responder safety and improve outcomes during emergency operations.
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