In this episode of Tech Talk Tuesday, Kevin Sofen, Scott Roseberry, Will Broscious and special guests Bobby Ortiz (battalion chief, Pflugerville Fire Department) and Chad Crouse (division chief, St. Lucie County Fire District) explore how emerging technologies like AI, drones and robotic systems are shaping the future of the fire service. The conversation dives into the real-world operational use of technology, practical challenges with adoption, and inspiring examples of how departments are innovating at the ground level.
The team discusses body cams, aerial rescue tools like Emily, autonomous drone use cases, AI-enabled policy reviews, and even ethical considerations in AI decision-making. It’s a fun, unfiltered and deeply practical conversation packed with lessons for any fire service leader exploring tech-enabled transformation.
Key takeaways
- AI is an Augmenter, Not a Replacer: Chad Crouse reframes AI as “Augmented Intelligence”, emphasizing its current role in boosting capacity, not replacing firefighters. AI excels at data processing, pattern recognition, and administrative time savings (e.g. auto-generating AARs, training content, policy reviews).
- Drone Tech is Moving from Novelty to Necessity: Bobby Ortiz shares how Pflugerville is using drones for real-time mapping, scene visualization, and search and rescue with robotic buoys like Emily. Chad discusses tethered drones for structural fire monitoring and anticipates near-future use cases like AI-powered collapse detection.
- Interoperability and Shared Tools Boost Regional Response: Departments using platforms like DroneSense can collaborate across jurisdictions by sharing air, land, and water video feeds in a unified view. Examples include mapping flood areas, remote command visibility, and coordinated aerial missions between fire departments.
- AI is Already Embedded in Operational Tools: Devices like Zoll monitors, Quake location helmets, and RFID-tagged bunker gear use AI or automation to enhance firefighter safety and tracking. Chad notes the challenge of training young departments for high-risk coastal rescues, suggesting tools like Emily can bridge the capability gap.
- Adoption is Lagging—But Leadership Makes the Difference: Most departments have access to technology, but low adoption is the barrier. Cultural trust, clear value, and usability (UX) are critical to win over the boots on the ground. As Chad says: “Let AI give you back time. Then use that time to train harder, lead better, and connect more with your crews.”
- Use the Private Sector and Academia as Force Multipliers: Departments are partnering with Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and universities to pilot new AI models (e.g. flood prediction, wildfire detection). These partnerships often provide free cloud credits, tools, and expertise in exchange for real-world testing and feedback.
- Be Curious, Collaborative, and Community-Driven: The panel champions TSI (Technology Summit International) as a platform where connections, trust, and shared lessons drive progress. Whether it’s Quake’s breadcrumb location tech or DFR (Drone as First Responder) programs, the message is clear: share what works, and learn together.
