Tucson Firefighters Use Drones to Drop Life Jackets to Victims

When someone is stranded in rushing floodwater or a remote canyon, every second counts, and now Tucson firefighters have a faster, safer way to help.

The Tucson Fire Department is training six firefighters to pilot drones that deliver life jackets and water directly to people in danger. The technology keeps first responders out of harm's way while victims get the flotation devices they desperately need.

Jamie Sieminski, the department's special operations coordinator, says the drones solve a critical problem. Getting a life jacket to someone quickly is often the most stressful part of a rescue, and now crews can do that instantly while planning the actual extraction.

The drones can fly to places ropes simply can't reach. In Arizona's desert washes where flash floods create deadly currents, the devices can hover above fast-moving water and lower flotation devices to victims in the middle of the flow.

Firefighters Andrew Ocrotty and Mike Sutherland are among those learning to operate the new equipment ahead of monsoon season. Both have responded to swift-water rescues and immediately recognized the game-changing potential.

"This is a big step in the right direction," Sutherland said. "It gives us more options for helping people when we need to."

Ocrotty noted that similar technology has proven effective in military and law enforcement operations. Seeing it come to the fire service feels like a natural evolution that will save lives.

The Ripple Effect

The training program ensures two firefighters per shift can operate the drones, meaning the technology is available 24 hours a day. That round-the-clock readiness matters during Arizona's unpredictable weather when flash floods can turn a peaceful hike into a life-threatening emergency in minutes.

The department's investment in drone technology represents a broader shift toward using innovation to protect both victims and rescuers. Instead of sending firefighters into dangerous situations as a first response, they can now stabilize victims remotely while developing safer rescue strategies.

Sieminski's message to the community balances confidence with caution. While the department wants people to know they're prepared with cutting-edge tools, the best rescue is the one that never has to happen.

The Tucson Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team continues expanding the program, building a safer community one trained pilot at a time.