SEARCH AND RESCUE IN AKWESASNE
On March 2, 2026 HAVFD assisted Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police and Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance (AMA) with a search and rescue call, with the patient located in a heavily wooded area.
We utilized a new tactic we showcased a couple weeks ago with one drone searching for the patient and providing a general overview of the incident, and a second drone operating from within the FAT Truck providing pathfinding and "halo" operations.
Through coordinated teamwork HAVFD, Tribal PD and AMA successfully removed the patient from the wooded area and got them off to the hospital for recovery.
We would like to thank our partners with Tribal PD and AMA for making this rescue a success.
We are incredibly grateful to the Akwesasne Community Settlement Trust for the funding that put the drone in the air, and to the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service for providing the FAT Truck. These tools are game-changers for our department and help us keep our community safe.
YOUTH DRONE CAMP
On Sunday February 22, HAVFD concluded our first Youth Drone Camp.
Students learned the theory of flight, drone safety, airspace regulations, identifying safe flight zones, maintaining safety around other aircraft and spent time applying skills on the simulator before taking their first flight.
After the instruction, students successfully passed their exams and received their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) TRUST certificates for recreational drone flight.
Following the classroom portion, students gained hands-on experience by navigating a live drone through an obstacle course.
To wrap up the weekend, participants were presented with course completion certificates issued by the HAVFD and received their very own DJI Neo 2 drone to take home.
AKWESASNE YOUTH DRONE CAMP
The Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, in partnership with the Akwesasne Tri-District Recreation Committee, is excited to announce a high-tech opportunity for our youth!
We are hosting a FREE 2-day Drone Camp where students will learn flight safety, maneuvers, and how drones help our first responders protect the community.
THE BIG REWARD: Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Tri-District Recreation Committee, every participant who completes both days of training will receive their very own DJI Neo 2 drone to take home!
WHEN: February 21st & 22nd WHERE: HAVFD Station 1 (818 State Route 37, Hogansburg) WHO: Youth ages 10–17
LIMITED CAPACITY: There are only 15 seats available. Participants will be selected at random live on our department Facebook page. Once full, a waiting list will be created. Note: Participants must attend both full days to be eligible for the drone giveaway.
Questions? Contact drone@havfd.org
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2026 ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS
On Saturday December 6, 2025 HAVFD held elections of officers for 2026. The 2026 Officers are as follows;
CHIEF OFFICERS
Chief: Kanentiio Mitchell
1st Assistant: Issac McDonald
2nd Assistant: Clint Jacobs
3rd Assistant: Derek Comins
Chief Engineer: Cameron Mitchell
Asst. Chief Engineer: Kelson Lazore
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President: Andrew Lazore
Vice President: Jeremy Thompson
Treasurer: Jason McDonald
Secretary: Marvin Phillips
Executive Board Members
Kyle Lazore
Cecil Ransom
Mat Lazore
STATION OFFICERS
Station 1
Captain Aiden Comins
Lieutenant Hunter McDonald
Engineer Joshua Cook
Station 2
Captain Andrew Square
Lieutenant Kiio Jacobs
Engineer Rick Caldwell
Station 3
Captain Kevin M. (Sturge) Lazore
Lieutenant Mat Lazore
Engineer Kevin W. Lazore
Congratulations Officers!