Smith County Approves Drone Testing

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court has approved an agreement with Phirst Technologies of Tyler to allow a drone and port in a secure enclosure at the Emergency Operations Center on Spur 248. The purpose is early testing of the drone and port for first responder use. The city of Tyler recently approved a similar agreement. According to a news release, testing approved by the county will last six to ten months, as will be the case with the city. Phirst Technologies says it will bear all costs for the installation and testing under both the city and county arrangements. According to our news partner KETK, depending on the situation, the drone will provide information such as how many fire trucks are needed, whether natural gas is escaping, and how many ambulances are required.