Ridgeland fire, police get drones

The Ridgeland Fire Department is getting a drone to assist with firefighting, rescues, and building inspections.

The drone will have thermal imaging capabilities and will allow firefighters to get a full overhead view of a structure that is on fire, according to Fire Chief Matt Bailey.

He said the drone would be helpful in search and rescue situations and useful during building inspections.

RFD already has a firefighter working to obtain the proper training and certifications to pilot the drone legally, Bailey said.

Unmanned Systems Group of Ridgeland will provide the drone. Their low bid came in at $15,665. A higher competing bid came from BFA Fire Rescue out of Prairieville, Louisiana. They submitted a bid of $15,928.

The Police Department is also in the market for a new drone. Police Chief Brian Myers said this would replace an “obsolete” drone they currently have. He said the battery does not hold a charge on the one they have now.

“The drone is used for search and rescue, natural disasters and accident reconstruction,” a memo from Myers to Mayor Gene F. McGee and the aldermen said.

The RPD drone comes with a price tag of $18,227 and will also be provided by Unmanned Systems Group.

Myers also received a competing bid from DSLR Pros out of Chatsworth, California, for $18,656.

Both items were approved unanimously on the consent agenda.