Drone Operations

MFPD currently has 8 FAA-trained drone pilots on staff who have obtained their FAA remote pilot license. The MFPD drone is a DJI Matrice. It has 2 cameras, an optical zoom and a thermal imaging camera.  It is used in conjunction with the District’s training exercises as well as in rescue and mutual aid efforts.  The drone’s thermal imaging camera, for example, can be deployed to pinpoint fire location in structural fires, and it can assist police in locating missing persons.  Specialty rescue scenarios also benefit from use of the drone.  On the Meramec River, the drone can be deployed to locate victims and has the capability to drop a flotation device that inflates on impact.