COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is integrating drone technology into public safety operations with the launch of its new Drones for First Responders Pilot Program, Government Technology reported.
The two-year initiative, announced by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and managed by DriveOhio, aims to support police, fire and EMS through training, equipment integration and real-time response capabilities, according to the report.
| RESOURCE: How to fund Drone as First Responder programs (eBook)
The program is a partnership between ODOT, SkyfireAI and CAL Analytics, and is intended to test and scale how drones can enhance situational awareness.
Operations expected to begin in summer 2026
Applications for participation are expected to open in November, with the selection of agencies early next year. Field operations are scheduled to begin by summer 2026, said Breanna Badanes, managing director of communications and policy at DriveOhio.
The pilot will include training and equipment integration, with SkyfireAI acting as the program manager, according to the report. Though it doesn’t manufacture drone hardware, SkyfireAI will provide agencies with customized systems that include aircraft, docking stations, software and secure data platforms.
CAL Analytics will provide air traffic management software for the state’s network of drone deployments.
How drones will be used
Participating agencies will be able to use drones for a wide range of scenarios:
- Search and rescue
- Traffic accidents
- Fire response
- Medical supply delivery
- Natural disaster assessments
- Hazardous area monitoring
Drones can provide real-time video feeds directly to command staff, often arriving minutes before ground units, especially when tied into 911 systems.
Accessibility for smaller departments
Officials say one of the goals of the statewide pilot is to bring drone technology within reach of smaller or underfunded departments that lack the resources or expertise to adopt such systems on their own.
“By launching the first statewide Drone First Responder program, we are showing how unmanned aerial systems can enhance public safety, accelerate emergency response, and strengthen our communities,” said State Rep. Bernie “Bunyan” Willis, chair of the Ohio House Transportation Committee.
