PIERCE, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska fire department is adding a new piece of technology into their everyday emergency services.

The Pierce Volunteer Fire Department is implementing the use of a drone on their calls.

Firefighter Josh Grossman began using his own drone on calls years ago, but the department decided it was time to get its own.

"We realized the benefits of it and went forward with it," said Chief Steve Dolesh. "We knew it was more than just a toy for somebody to use for recreation and that it had some great benefits in the fire, rescue, law enforcement, that whole arena."

Chief Dolesh said that the drone is used in every training situation the fire department partakes in.

Mike Sindt is one of the few firefighters in the department that is cleared to fly the drone.

He told News Channel Nebraska some of the real-life scenarios that the department can and will use the drone in.

"The biggest thing is the hazmat situation. Rather than sending a person in there, you send this machine and you can assess the situation," said Mike Sindt, a firefighter and member of the department's CERT team. "Missing persons, you can use that thermal camera to pick out people if needed, and fires you can see hotspots."

The drone is equipped with a thermal camera, LED lights, and a speaker.

Sindt added that the drone assists firefighters in assessing different emergency situations from a new point of view.

"It can save lives. It reduces the danger because you're assessing the situation with a more educated perspective of the situation," he said.

While the department knows that the new drone will be a big help for them, they are also ready to use it to help other departments around northeast Nebraska.

"If we can get the word out that we have it," Chief Dolesh said. "I know other departments around have it as well but it's good to get that out. So if the need does arise for one, that they know they can call us."