Hello, My name is Lieutenant Casey Kerwin with the Milwaukee Fire Department. My department is interested in starting a drone program and I was wondering if there was any one out there that may be able to assist me. My knowledge is limited and I am looking for general information on different types of drones and which ones would be best for my departments needs. As always, money is an issue but I am willing to look at all options. Thanks in advance for your time.
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Hey Lieutenant Casey,
Probably lots of options to consider in helping you select the type of drone/s whilst defining your requirements including the skill sets/training/resources needed...
A few universities/companies/public sector have already run or running trials that will hopefully provide helpful info/feedback enabling you to considering the overall logistics/operations for running a successful drones program in your Fire department.
We briefly covered the following story in our eBook and I'm sure there are lots of other examples from companies/fire departments you can hook up with and gain their knowledge and experience.
Search and rescue drone trial:
video
http://youtu.be/cEOjgg94oxo
uclan website
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/news/search_and_rescue_drone_trial_is_major_...
found this article
http://www.firechief.com/2014/03/20/5-drone-technologies-firefighting/
All the best FlightBots
Thanks for info guys...
@Quazimodo no the US have another category for Fire/Rescue/Police and the certification is handled by DHS its Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS)
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/privacy/PIAs/p...
The entry level to get a vehicle into the test program is at least 1000 documented flight hours...
So far the Fire case has been perhaps the best fit to date for sUAS. Really helpful for checking ingress and hot spots. The Police case has just been a fad.
I forgot I have an entire feed of fire related stories
http://www.suasnews.com/category/fire/
Gary - How does one keep up with all the acronyms? UAV, UAS, sUAV, sUAS, RPAS, sRPAS and now RAPS... and no doubt sRAPS...
With each of these acronyms having multiple interpretations, like air, aerial, aircraft, etc, it is all starting to get a bit ambiguous.
Thanks Gary for the links. I liked the videos in the UK one. I found this really neat video:
Lt Casey, I sent you a friend request. I'm located down in Kenosha and would be happy to discuss your options. My company speciallizes in UAV/sUAS systems for Law Enforcement and Fire Rescue.
Thanks AKRCGUY, will friend you.
Maybe get in touch with some UK or Australian fire services, they have the most experience at the minute in really using systems rather than just hyping systems.
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/11202806.VIDEO__Fire_service_s_...
If you are really serious you might consider sending somebody for professional training,http://www.resourcegroup.co.uk/Services/OtherBusinessServices/UASSe...
At the moment the FAA will not permit use without a COA but as a public service entity you can obtain one. Your platform will be termed a RAPS platform. I'm chucking in abbreviations without explanation so you can enjoy endless dull minutes with Google ;-)
Thanks for reply, will look at these links, I am aware of the COA, right now i'm just trying to get a proposal together to bring to the higher ups in the department.
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