Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs are entering the fire service more frequently than ever before. Each agency adopts an implementation approach that is compatible with its organizational culture. Public safety agencies, specifically fire departments, experience program development in a variety of ways. Fire departments throughout the United States make decisions and create policy; sometimes with limited research beforehand, leading to inefficient and/or ineffective program implementation. The purpose of this research study is to identify cost-effective program development and implementation methods. Fire departments interested in developing a UAV program will benefit from this study’s findings because they will have an improved idea of the many factors to consider when creating guidelines, determining budgetary needs, and selecting equipment. Generating buy-in from city/county management, department directors, and fire chiefs is critical to the long-term success of any program implementation strategy. Community outreach and involvement is also extremely beneficial toward the success of a fire department UAV program. It is the researcher’s goal to share data on current fire department UAV programs, an evolving application of technology in the industry of public safety deserving of data collection and continuous research. The study attempts to answer three specific research questions: 1. How are fire departments currently implementing UAV programs? 2. How can fire service UAV program development be most cost-effective? 3. How can fire service UAV program development and implementation maximize efficiency? The information discovered will improve cost-effectiveness, enhance program development, and support successful program implementation.