When the Duboistown Fire and EMS encountered incidents in 2016 when a drone would have been useful, Fire Chief Paul McKinley and Firefighter Paul Vavra decided to start a drone program. Their department is the only volunteer fire department in all of Lycoming County, Pennslyvania with a COA. The department also uses 2 Part 107 pilots and has implemented the NFPA 2400 standard into their standard operating procedures.
The department is also working with the Old Lycoming Township Police Department to assist them with their program and provides assistance to local law enforcement. One of their drones was recently used inside at the disaster drill at the UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital campus. In 2018 the drone was used to help search for a simulated active shooter at the Williamsport Area High School.
They have received training from DART drones in Jessup, PA and Sundance Media Group and the Nevada Center for Drone Excellence. They use 2 Yuneec H520s and a Autel EVO. The newer H520 has a CGO-ET camera and is equipped with Fox Fury Rugo lights.
