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Fire Commission adopts revised drone policy after debate over emergency exemptions
Summary
The Fire Commission voted unanimously to adopt a revised drone policy that incorporates city attorney recommendations, includes emergency exemptions for life‑safety operations, and requires COA/FAA coverage and post‑flight reporting; commissioners asked staff to ensure the policy will not impede immediate emergency use on scenes and to return clarifying redlines.
Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Cochran presented revisions to the department’s drone policy reflecting input from the City Attorney and outside advisors. He said the updated draft aligns formatting to city policy, clarifies protocols for safe operations, and restricts drone operation to on‑duty staff but preserves life‑safety exemptions when necessary.
Commission discussion focused on whether no‑fly‑zone language or owner/manager consent requirements could accidentally prevent rapid life‑saving flights. A commissioner said the policy must not make crews "go searching for building operators and owners for permission to use a drone to save somebody's life," and Cochran replied the department will pursue FAA Part 107 and a COA to provide broad operational authority and explained operational post‑flight reporting procedures.
After discussion, Vice President Covington moved to adopt the revised policy; Commissioner Hardiman seconded. The commission approved the policy by voice vote ('Aye') with no recorded opposition. Cochran and commissioners agreed to circulate redlined language and to confirm that emergency operational exemptions are sufficiently broad so crews are not delayed at an incident.
Next steps: staff will finalize legal vetting, secure necessary COA/FAA approvals for the grant‑funded drone, and provide the commission with a redlined copy that highlights changes recommended by the City Attorney.
