Pro Tem Young urges city to explore drones, augmented reality and AI for fire operations

Pro Tem Coleman Young II used his time during the Fire Department budget hearing to outline a broad technology vision for DFD: augmented- or extended-reality firefighter helmets, drone aerial-intelligence networks for rapid scene assessment, robotic firefighting units, smart hydrant IoT networks and AI for dispatch and predictive maintenance. He provided high-level projected costs and benefits for a comprehensive technology buildout and argued it could protect firefighters and generate long-term operational savings.

Deputy Commissioner Robert Stokes and other department leaders said DFD has done preliminary research on augmented-reality facepieces and robotics and that they will provide additional information after attending industry conferences. Deputy Commissioner Derek Hillman said the department is exploring AI use in EMS billing and report-writing to improve revenue capture and documentation accuracy.

Commissioner Sims said the department has drones in its inventory and is evaluating autonomous dispatch so drones can reach a scene and report back to crews en route. Councilmembers commended the research and asked for follow-up details on sustainability, costs and integration with existing SCBA systems and other protective equipment.

The council asked the department to provide written follow-up on emerging technology options, cost estimates and potential pilot programs; no procurement decisions were made at the hearing.