The Hilton Fire Department is now training to take its rescue efforts to the clouds, with the help of drone technology. Department heads say it’s among the first in the area to bring use the drones for certain calls.
The idea was the brainchild of fifth-year firefighter David Olney, who is a trained drone pilot himself, he says it was a no-brainer, as the drones could be a real boost for the department, and the community. Right now- they have four firefighters in training, with each person using a training drone, the plan is to purchase a more official drone by the end of the year. Each pilot has to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.
“It's really exciting, honestly.” Olney said "We're adopting new things that are going to keep them safe.”
The idea is to take the drones from the fire house, and out in to the field where they can be used for life-saving search and rescue missions among other tasks.