The skies of Bloomington have an extra set of eyes, thanks to Firefighter and EMT Aaron Sour, who has been part of the city's fire department for nearly a decade. Sour, who initially joined as a paid on-call firefighter, now serves part-time and plays a crucial role in leading their drone program. Launched in 2019, the program now benefits from his guidance, leveraging his unique blend of expertise in technology and aviation to enhance both safety and response.
While Aaron Sour's path to firefighting was unexpected, it's a role he embraced without regret. “Someone talked me into signing up. I have no regrets!” he shared with the City of Bloomington's official website. Sour's academic journey led him to earn advanced degrees in both psychology and aviation, and his professional experiences span across tech, business, and training sectors.
Off the clock, Sour's life is as dynamic as his on-duty roles. His interests are diverse — from outdoor activities like biking and hiking to sitting down for a strategic board game session. He's also an avid supporter of the Minnesota Vikings, a passion playfully contested by his wife Erin's allegiance to the Green Bay Packers. "GO PACK GO!" she roots, as mentioned by Sour in his interview.
Aaron doesn't just fly drones and fight fires; he also offers sage advice on fire safety. His tip for residents: "Treat lithium-ion batteries with care. Charge and store them properly and never modify them."
Sour's impact on the Bloomington Fire Department transcends the typical bounds of an EMT or firefighter. By harnessing the power of drone technology, he has helped chart a progressive course for emergency services in the city.
