LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new drone program in Louisville will help first responders making emergency runs.
The drones local emergency responders are using can't be found at a retail store. The drones give a much wider view of what's happening on the ground during fires, weather emergencies and crashes.
"One man on the ground can't see nearly as much as a drone in the sky," said Amil Kleinert, a Louisville resident.
The drones allow dispatchers to help prepare first responders as they are on the way to a call. The technology is intended to help them save lives.
"When things go up and fly they're going to be a on specific mission," said Jody Meiman, Louisville Metro Emergency Services Executive Director.
As the launch of the Drone as First Responder program nears, some people are worried about privacy. A new Kentucky law limits how drones can be used and sets some restrictions on flying over private property.
"Privacy is important but people think health and public safety is more important so that trumps that," Kleinert said.
But government agencies can use the drones for legitimate purposes, and in some cases a warrant is required.
"The same circumstances that would allow us to go look into a house or a car would be the same as a drone," LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said.
The drones will launch from eight firehouses across Louisville and be controlled from one central location.
First responders will handle the missions based on the information from emergency callers. Officials said drones will largely focus on the address that's given to dispatchers.
"It provides a safer broader vision of what's going on," Kleinert said.
Just under a million dollars is being invested in the program. The drones are expected to be used starting next year.
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