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Roswell Fire Department selected as one of 10 national pilot sites for AR "see‑through" helmets
Summary
Roswell will test Quake’s helmet‑mounted augmented‑reality system that streams location and thermal imagery to incident command. The council approved a three‑year pilot and authorized initial funding through a budget amendment.
The Roswell Fire Department will participate as one of 10 U.S. pilot agencies testing Quake’s augmented‑reality “see‑through” helmet system under a Department of Homeland Security‑backed program, the council approved Monday.
Chief Pavel Troche said the helmet and associated software provide helmet‑mounted cameras, thermal imaging overlays and location tracking streamed in real time to incident command. He described the system as a new tool to locate victims, track firefighters within no‑visibility environments and capture operational data for later analysis. Troche said the device enables the command center to “see everyone moving in the structure and where they are” and that the gear also archives data for AI‑assisted after‑action review.
Fire department staff completed an initial trial and recommended the department join Quake’s three‑year pioneer program. The first‑year cost for hardware and testing is $171,000; the council approved a budget amendment that draws the amount from project savings in the Business & Residential Services build‑out so the pilot has no net 2025 budget increase. Years two and three include a renewal/maintenance fee of $63,800 per year that staff said would be included in future operating budgets if the pilot moves to full deployment.
Chief Troche and others framed the selection as significant: DHS Science & Technology initially solicited applicants, and Troche said Roswell was chosen from about 80 applicants. The program provides 16 helmet systems, four command consoles and related accessories for the pilot site. City staff negotiated contract language delaying renewal payments until the equipment exits beta and becomes operational, and secured program pricing for future unit purchases.
Council approved the three‑year participation and the budget amendment unanimously. Members praised the fire department for innovation and said the technology complements recent investments in public‑safety staffing and facilities.
