RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — One fire department in Rutherford County is pushing its response times to a new level by adding a special new tool to their department. Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department is keeping a close eye for danger, high in the sky, with the addition of new drones.

The fire department recently added the drones to help crews see through smoke, find victims faster and make real-time decisions quicker. The drones can go anywhere in the Murfreesboro city limits within just 12 minutes. The drones have several features including zoom-lenses, different cameras and advanced mapping capabilities.

Fire officials said the police department can also use the drones if they're searching for a suspect by seeing in real time what information the drone feeds back to them. 

Firefighter Drone Pilot, Capt. Matt Young, said along with the fire department, the police department can also use the drones if they're searching for a suspect by seeing in real time what information the drone feeds back to them. 

"If we want to have responders see the drone footage if they're out in the field, the drones can give them real time data and info by scanning the QR code," Young said. "So we're searching for a child or an elderly person that's missing and we've got ground teams out, now the ground team can see exactly what my drone is showing me."

The drones are also equipped with advanced technology like high-resolution cameras, gas detection sensors and thermal energy capabilities. Murfreesboro leaders said they've strategically places the five drones in certain stations with their 20 designated pilots, so they're always prepared in case of an emergency.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/on-tour-middle-tn/murfreesboro-fire-rescue-department-adds-drones-to-its-fleet-for-quicker-response-times/