Skip to content

Errington fire department looking to get drone off the ground to assist firefighting efforts

Donation from business owners puts fire department’s fundraiser over the top
28138005_web1_220209-PQN-Drone-Project-Donation-Drone_1
Yates Memorial Services owners Rae and Barry Tuck presents a giant cheque of $4,500 to Errington Volunteer Fire Department’s Michael Love, right, and Scott Walker for its Drone Project. (Michael Briones photo)

The Errington Volunteer Fire Department received a much-needed donation to help its drone project get off the ground.

The owners of Yates Memorial Services, Barry and Rae Tuck, presented the leading proponent of the project, Michael Love, a $4,500 cheque on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Love said the Tucks’ donation is a significant boost, as it pushed the fire department beyond its fundraising target and made the project a reality.

“We can help not just our department but the whole community. We’re the only on the Island, other than Victoria, that’s going to have this program in place. It’s going to help neighbouring communities,” said Love, mentioning that the drone program may be able to assist in Nanaimo and Courtenay, for example.

READ MORE: Drones to deliver medical supplies to northern B.C. First Nation in pilot project

Love, who has been flying drones for four years now, and fellow firefighter Tyrone Heigh have been honing their piloting skills. He said the drone will be a vital tool that will help keep firefighters safe.

“There’s a few times we could use an eye in the sky to see what’s going on in a fire scene or searching for people,” said Love. “So why can’t we introduce this to the fire department?”

The total cost of the drone is approximately $9,600. It’s a small and portable unit but has all the capabilities of a larger drone. It includes thermal imaging, infrared and zoom capabilities. It also includes attachments such as a spotlight, speaker and a light beacon.

Barry Tuck said the donation is their way of being part of the community and helping good causes for the benefit of everyone.

“We have staff here that lives in the community,” he said. “In a sense, we serve the community but I think it’s most important to give back to where you live. And if there’s a flow between the two, I think that’s the most important thing. It is a cause that touched us and we want to contribute back.”

michael.briones@pqbnews.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter 



Michael Briones

About the Author: Michael Briones

I rejoined the PQB News team in April 2017 from the Comox Valley Echo, having previously covered sports for The NEWS in 1997.
Read more