Hmmm, when you throw cost per flight hour into the equation the fact that the UAV did this is a big deal. Yep, both helo's and fixed wing aircraft also carry FLIR, but they cost more to buy and more to fly. The little quad motor UAV's need next to nothing for a take-off and landing zone, and if one goes down in rough terrain it's NBD. Yes, a helo might have more endurance, but depending on where it started flying and transit time, its time in the search area may be limited. OTOH a relatively cheap UAV (compared to a helo), in the trunk of a police cruiser can be more cost effective and transit time (and $$$) is nil.

(Please don't try to make the argument that cost is no issue in this day of serious budget issues. Maybe it shouldn't be, but it is.)