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Oskaloosa council approves fire department purchase of thermal-capable drone with donated funds
Summary
The Oskaloosa City Council authorized the fire department to use memorial/donated funds to buy a purpose-built thermal/visual drone for search-and-rescue, hazmat response and pre-planning. Staff said the unit includes a starlight camera, thermal imaging and an IP43 weather rating.
The Oskaloosa City Council voted Dec. 10 to allow the fire department to purchase a thermal-capable drone using memorial and donated funds, a move staff and firefighters said will enhance search-and-rescue, hazmat responses and incident pre-planning.
Captain (Fire Department) presented the proposed system and described its capabilities: a ‘‘starlight’’ camera that allows visible imaging in near-dark conditions and thermal sensors that can detect heat signatures. "This has thermal capabilities," he said, adding the system can provide thermal imaging "from up to several miles away" and shows regular camera detail even at night. Staff also described modular tooling for mapping and building 3D models of structures and landscapes to support pre-planning.
Fire staff said the unit has an IP43 weather rating, a vendor-stated flight endurance near 42 minutes per battery and that the department plans to carry four to five batteries plus a triple charger so the system can be operated for extended periods. The proposed procurement would come from a dealer identified as Drone Nerds; staff said the units are manufactured in Vietnam, not in China, to avoid potential federal or state import restrictions.
Council members asked about training, weather limitations and maintenance. Staff said licensing requires FAA testing for pilots (a self-study course and FAA test fees were discussed) and that several operators will be trained; the city would apply for a Certificate of Authorization to allow internal self-certification of pilots. On durability, staff said the IP43 rating and specified temperature tolerances make the platform suitable for most operational conditions the department expects to encounter.
Mayor and councilors praised the department for researching commercial options and for planning to include accessory modules such as a payload-drop capability for lightweight life jackets in river rescues. Council approved the motion by roll call.
The council noted the purchase will be paid from memorial/donated funds already held by the department and not from the general fund. The measure passed and the department will begin licensing and implementation work ahead of spring operations.
