Should Wayland Buy A Drone?

WAYLAND, MA—Think Wayland could use a drone? Those who protect and serve think so.

At Wayland's July 10 Board of Selectmen meeting Fire Chief David Houghton and Police Chief Robert Irving as well as LEPC Chair Douglas Leard spoke to the board about the desire to buy a drone to assist with emergency management.

Houghton expressed that the departments have researched the possibility and has reviewed drone operations and advocates that it would be an excellent tool to assist in searches, in particular. Every year, said Houghton, someone tends to get lost along the river in Wayland. A drone would be more useful and keep searchers out of harm's way. The drone, too, could assist with aerial shots of incidents and scenes.

According to officials, the drone would cost about $14,000 and would be paid for by Emergency Management funds over two years.

What say you, taxpayers? Is getting a drone, which would be housed with the fire department, a good idea? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Photo via Marlborough PD