The program would have strict rules about how video or photos from drones could be used, and any data transmitted from drones would be encrypted so that no one could steal it.

The drones wouldn’t be used by the police department to investigate crimes or monitor the city. State law places restrictions on police departments that want to use drones. For example, police would need to get a search warrant before using a drone to take videos or photos.

However, the fire department can use drones to improve public safety. Williams said that one drone would be equipped with an infrared camera, which would make it easier to find missing people. They could also carry spotlights that would help search and rescue crews keep working at night.

Using a helicopter for those situations costs about $2,000 an hour, and requires extra time to get to the location. Williams said launching a drone can be much faster and cheaper.

Installed on-board is a rescue system, the "jaws of life," that "basically has the capability of running four rescue tools at once," James said. He added this is a unique feature, and may especially help the department respond to car accidents on the Thruway requiring vehicle extraction or the use of other rescue tools.

James said the concept of putting two trucks into one was because "manpower is very limited and instead of trying to get two pieces of equipment out, a rescue truck and an engine, now we have them both in one." He said this could also help the firefighters respond more quickly. 

Station 1′s truck entrances are too small for most fire trucks and ambulances to enter, he added. The station was built in the 1940s and emergency vehicles were much smaller then.

Selectman Charlie Sullivan confirmed this by saying, “No truck from Freetown can fit into station.”

Because trucks can’t fit through the archway entrances, there are almost never any trucks parked at Station 1, on Elm Street, which can delay any needed fire prevention in that area. Silvia brought up that the only truck that can fit at Station 1 was custom built in 1994 for that station. He stated the truck is antiquated.

The red-roofed white building, which stands where East Pittston and Kelley roads meet, is where 21st-century technology meets age-old practice.

Among the innovations that Farris and Ireland — for whom the station has been named — brought to the design of the building were the addition of a blower mounted to the ceiling to maintain the temperature inside the bays to augment the radiant heat floors, waterproof wall panels backed with plywood to minimize water damage and allow racks to be hung anywhere on the walls, and windows in the south-facing bay doors, which helps warm the space on sunny days.