On another thread there were people who complained that the FD was spending money on a museum. This is the place to express concern on this expenditure -- this purchase seems like a luxury rather than a necessity.

While there may be advantages to drone technology, it is still too early in development; there aren't that many fires to warrant its use; and the tree canopy would probably limit some of its benefits.

I could potentially see this as a regional asset, but does MPFD really need its own drone?

Bob:

the cost of the drone is a fly spec in the pepper of MPFD's budget. It will have it's uses and only use and trial and error will determine its true value.

**If a drone were to overfly a patch of marijuana, however, the police would be told, he said. "It's not as if we're going to turn a blind eye to blatant criminal activity."**

Blatant criminal activity? It's legal to grow marijuana for medicinal purposes for your own personal use. Collectives can also do so.

" and the tree canopy would probably limit some of its benefits."

Look at Google Earth - practically none of the roofs of the homes and buildings in the Fire District are even parochially covered by the tree canopy.

Consider that a backup helicopter is operating at a rate of $1,600 a hour of flight.

The National Park Service spends nearly $5 million annually on search and rescue (SAR) missions and that doesn't include the cost of hundreds of thousands of man hours that go into these searches.

In Europe those kind of people are required to get some kind of insurance to get bailed out for engaging in risky behavior, but I digress.

As long as the government is not trying to limit civilian possessions of their own drones this is a cost saving measure hopefully and not a chance for grown men to play with toy helicopters.

the only difference between men and boys...

I actually don't think you would know anything about the kind of men who risk their lives to serve you.

Two retired, two active in depts around the Bay, in the family. So, yes, others besides yourself know something of the breed (and they're not all men, Peter) that run in while others run out. You are, however, relentless on these threads and unwilling/unable to see any fault in this particular area, so I'll let you drone on. Good day.

I actually don't think you would know anything about the kind of men and women who risk their lives to serve you. Familial relationship are a poor substitute for actually knowing these folks.

As for me, I have personally been there and done that and there is no doubt in my mind that the use of a drone may well save lives and property.

You can just continue with your uninformed cheap shots.

"You can just continue with your uninformed cheap shots."

"Familial relationship are a poor substitute for actually knowing these folks."

cost:

have YOU actually done the job?

I was a cop and I can guarantee none of my family had any idea what was involved in doing the job.

>>> Familial relationship are a poor substitute for actually knowing these folks.

>>> I can guarantee none of my family had any idea what was involved in doing the job.

Absolutely fascinating comments. Tremendously thought provoking.

Informed opinions are always welcome.