Harris-Fort Bend County ESD #100 and Community Volunteer Fire Department have added the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Command Tahoe to their fleet, now in active service, the department announced in a March 31 press release. This addition strengthens the department’s ability to manage incidents with greater awareness and coordination while improving efficiency locally and across the region, the release said.

The UAS Command Tahoe is designed to bring real-time aerial intelligence directly to the command post. A key feature of the vehicle is a mounted 32-inch display at the rear of the Tahoe, allowing Incident Command to view live drone footage on scene. This setup provides a clear, immediate visual of evolving conditions, supporting faster and more informed decision making during critical incidents.

“Getting that aerial view in real time, right at the command post, changes how our Chiefs manage scenes,” said Captain Smith, Drone Team Commander. “It gives us a better understanding of the incident as it unfolds and helps us support crews with safer, more effective operations.”

While the drone program enhances the department’s response to its own emergencies, it also serves as a regional asset. The UAS Command Tahoe is deployed to assist neighboring fire departments, local law enforcement agencies, and other public safety partners during complex or large-scale incidents. This capability strengthens interagency coordination and ensures that critical aerial support is available when and where it is needed most, officials said.

The drone program supports a wide range of operations, including:

· Structure fires and large-scale incidents

· Search and rescue operations

· Law enforcement support and scene monitoring

· Hazardous materials incidents

· Disaster response and damage assessment

· Training and operational planning


By integrating aerial technology with command, the department improves situational awareness while reducing risk to responders. The ability to monitor incidents from a broader perspective allows crews to be deployed more strategically and efficiently.

The addition of the UAS Command Tahoe highlights ESD#100 and Community Volunteer Fire Department’s ongoing commitment to innovation and strong regional partnerships while providing the highest level of service to the community, the press release said.

Harris-Fort Bend County ESD #100 and Community Volunteer Fire Department serves an area between the Grand Parkway and State Highway 6, surrounding the Westpark Tollway and including the Grand Lakes neighborhood in Katy.