Jersey Shore's 'Drone Ranger' Rescues Over 120 Pets with High-Tech Fleet

In Manasquan, New Jersey, Michael Parziale has become a local hero, earning the nickname 'Drone Ranger' for his innovative approach to rescuing lost pets. Through his nonprofit, Unmanned Search and Rescue (U.S.A.R.) Drone Team, Parziale has successfully located and saved over 120 missing animals across the Garden State.

 

Parziale, a 64-year-old restaurant owner and FAA-licensed drone pilot, founded U.S.A.R. two years ago to honor his family's military legacy. His father served in World War II, and both grandfathers fought in World War I. By integrating advanced drone technology with a mission to support veterans, Parziale offers free drone-career training to former service members. This initiative equips them for careers in aerial surveying, agricultural spraying, photography, infrastructure inspections, and search and rescue operations.

 

The inspiration for U.S.A.R. struck when Parziale assisted in locating a mentally handicapped man who had been missing for three days in Toms River. Utilizing his drone expertise, Parziale found the man in just over an hour, preventing a potential tragedy. This success led him to focus on reuniting families with their lost pets, a mission that has since flourished.

 

One notable rescue involved a five-month-old puppy named Shade, who went missing in Cherry Hill. After 27 hours of searching, Parziale's team located Shade in just 41 minutes, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of drone-assisted searches. Such stories have garnered widespread attention, highlighting the emotional impact of these reunions.

 

Parziale's commitment extends beyond pet rescues. Through a GoFundMe campaign, he finances searches for the elderly, ensuring that those who cannot afford professional services still have hope of finding their beloved companions. Every dollar raised supports these missions, emphasizing the community-driven nature of U.S.A.R.

 

Operating across New Jersey, from Cape May to the northern mountains, Parziale and his team deploy drones equipped with thermal imaging to locate missing pets efficiently. Their efforts have not only reunited families but also provided veterans with meaningful employment opportunities, blending technology with compassion to serve the community.