Inside CYFS’s First Drone Program: How New Tech Is Enhancing Community Safety

On Thursday, November 13, Central York Fire Services hosted an exciting technology demonstration at Station 4-5 (Headquarters), giving our team and invited partners a firsthand look at how drones and advanced LiDAR tools are transforming emergency response. Central York Fire Joint Council Chair Kelly Broome was on hand for the demo, along with CYFS leadership and industry partners.

This marks CYFS’s first operational drone and the first of its kind across our sector, with the exception of Georgina, who use similar technology for water rescues.

If you were in the area that morning, you may have seen drones zipping through the sky as our certified advanced drone pilots tested new equipment and explored the capabilities of the M400 drone, the latest addition being considered in the 2026 Capital Budget. Designed for real-time support during major incidents, missing-person searches and fire scenes, the M400 offers enhanced stability, long-range imaging and thermal capabilities that improve firefighter safety and community protection.

We also welcomed FARO Technologies, who provided an impressive demonstration of their LiDAR imaging system. This technology delivers precise 3D scans of buildings and incident sites, and is widely used across public safety for tasks such as:

• documenting complex crime scenes and forensic investigations
• analysing major vehicle collisions and assisting reconstruction teams
• supporting fire investigators, fire marshals and pre-planning assessments
• enhancing security operations for government, contractors and school environments

LiDAR allows responders to capture accurate, real-time digital images that improve investigations, planning and scene safety, while reducing the time crews must spend in hazardous environments. Seeing this tool in action highlighted just how valuable it will be as CYFS continues to modernize its operations.

A special thank you to the partners who made the demo possible:
• AltoHelix: Russ Byun, Joey Detoro and Ben Ying
• FARO Technologies: Jeff Voyt and Matt Teppler

Their expertise and hands-on demonstrations made this an engaging and informative experience for everyone involved.

As Chair of the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee, I am proud of the innovation and forward-thinking approach CYFS continues to show as we strengthen our tools, technology and readiness to serve the community.

I look forward to sharing more updates as we continue building a future we can feel safe in and proud of together.

with gratitude,

Kelly Broome
Councillor Ward 6
Newmarket
kellybroome.ca