Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time

Original Recording Date: July 15, 2024

Host John McLeod sits down with Lieutenant Taylor Wade, an 11-year veteran firefighter/AEMT and UAS Program Manager for Lake Travis Fire Rescue’s Technology Aiding Command (TAC) team. Covering 104 square miles of rugged central Texas wildland-urban interface and busy waterways, Lake Travis Fire Rescue operates across complex terrain that demands cutting-edge situational awareness. Taylor breaks down how the department successfully rebooted an early drone initiative that had plateaued, restructuring it around a clear mission: giving incident commanders real-time aerial data to make faster, safer decisions.

The discussion dives into real-world operational tactics, examining how thermal imaging uncovers hidden structural hot spots, detects active embers before they spark wildland blazes, and pinpoints remote smoke sources to prevent unnecessary engine dispatches. Taylor outlines the rigorous training pipeline behind their 11 Part 107 pilots including flight simulation, monthly recurring flight minimums, and a newly constructed NIST evaluation course. Furthermore, he shares best practices for proving program value to elected officials and the public through post-flight reports, live DroneSense video streaming, community outreach days, and collaborative regional training.

collaborative regional training.

Why This Episode Matters Today:

Public safety agencies launching or revamping drone programs often grapple with operational buy-in, training standardization, and leadership communication. Taylor Wade provides a field-tested blueprint for fire departments looking to transition drones from siloed prevention tools into vital command-level assets. His emphasis on grassroots internal relationship-building, regional mutual aid collaboration, and data driven post flight reporting demonstrates exactly how modern fire rescue agencies can build sustainable, community backed UAS programs that save time, resources, and lives.

Episode Highlights:

• [04:33] Taylor explains the history of Lake Travis Fire Rescue's drone program, which started about six years ago primarily for prevention and fuels mitigation.
• [06:34] The current state of the program includes 11 FAA Part 107 pilots, with 10 more in training, four M3T drones, DroneSense software, and a newly developed NIST course for training.
• [08:23] Taylor discusses the various applications of drones in firefighting, including thermal imaging for hot spots, providing visual information to command, and improving resource allocation for smoke investigations.
• [11:21] Taylor shares strategies for getting command leadership comfortable with and supportive of the drone program, emphasizing grassroots-level engagement and formal training.
• [14:25] The program maintains pilot skills through mandatory monthly flight time, virtual work group meetings, and participation in special events.
• [17:37] Taylor explains how they promote the program's successes through post-flight reports, data compilation, and regular communication with leadership and stakeholders.
• [21:10] Community engagement efforts include an annual Public Safety Day, participation in parades, and other community events to showcase the drone program's benefits.
• [22:45] Taylor offers advice for agencies starting their own drone programs, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and learning from other programs.
• [24:26] Looking to the future, Taylor expresses excitement about developments in Drone First Responder (DFR) programs, payload release capabilities, and potential firefighting applications.

Episode Resources:

• Lake Travis Fire Rescue Website
• DroneSense Website
• NIST sUAS Standard Test Methods

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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Original Recording Date: May 31, 2024

Host John McLeod sits down with Charles Werner, a 40-year public safety veteran, former Fire Chief, Director of DRONERESPONDERS, and Aviation Technologies Advisor for the Virginia Department of Aviation. Drawing from over four decades of service and tech leadership, Charles shares insights into how public safety UAS has rapidly expanded from seven initial use cases to over 50 today across more than 6,000 agencies nationwide.

The conversation explores practical frameworks for starting a public safety drone program, contrasting FAA Part 107 civil operations with Part 91 Public Aircraft Operations (COAs), and emphasizing why proactive community outreach and transparency are critical before launching flights. Charles addresses pressing legislative and geopolitical topics, including country of origin hardware bans, supply chain realities, and state-level policy trends. Additionally, he highlights crucial future developments in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), detect and avoid (DAA) systems, standardized pilot training, and the urgent need for local detection and mitigation capabilities against nefarious drone activity near critical infrastructure and correctional facilities.

Why This Episode Matters Today:

As public safety agencies across the country face rapid technological changes, evolving FAA regulations, and geopolitical debates over hardware origins, program leaders need clear guidance to build resilient programs. Charles Werner provides a masterclass in program governance, community relations, federal advocacy, and airspace safety, helping command staff navigate complex policy shifts while leveraging drones to save lives and protect communities.

Episode Highlights:

[03:37] Charles reflects on his early predictions for public safety drones, noting how the industry expanded from seven envisioned use cases to over 50 today across 6,000+ public safety agencies (70% law enforcement, 25% fire service, and 5% emergency management/search and rescue).

[06:47] Addressing collaboration and FAA regulatory navigation, Charles highlights how DRONERESPONDERS unites over a hundred DFR agencies to address COA inconsistencies, streamline waiver approvals, and build direct, effective lines of communication with the FAA.

[09:25] When adopting new public safety technology, Charles dictates three strict criteria to vendors: it must offer a clear value proposition, fit within limited public safety budgets, and be easy to implement into existing systems.

[10:50] Charles outlines foundational steps for starting a drone program, explaining the operational differences between Part 107 and PAO COAs, and stressing why public outreach, policy transparency, and community buy-in must happen before an agency ever launches an aircraft.

[16:32] Discussing country of origin hardware concerns and legislative restrictions, Charles analyzes the supply chain gap between domestic and foreign drone manufacturers, advocating for federal security standards, domestic production subsidies, and proactive legislative education by agency leaders.

[22:25] Looking over the technology horizon, Charles shares excitement for onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) capabilities, vehicle-to-vehicle airspace communication, multi-drone control by a single pilot, swarm technology for search and rescue, and AI-driven disaster damage assessment.

[28:02] Addressing growing risks surrounding drone misuse, contraband drops at correctional facilities, and stadium incursions, Charles underscores the critical need to expand drone detection and Counter-UAS mitigation authorities to state and local public safety agencies.

[35:13] Charles details real-world success stories from de-escalating potential armed confrontations and preventing police ambushes to directing interior fire streams and locating missing children demonstrating how sharing tangible metrics and operational wins secures ongoing community and council support.

Episode Resources:

• DRONERESPONDERS Website: https://www.droneresponders.org/

• Charles Werner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-werner-droneresponders/

• DroneSense Website:https://www.dronesense.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=dronecast-rethinking-public-safety-one-drone-at-a-time-ep69https://podcasts.fame.so/go/65c3c4e83d

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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Original Recording Date: June 6, 2024

Host John McLeod sits down with Matt Rybar from Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT) for Part 2 of their in-depth conversation. Moving beyond basic program foundations, Matt and John dive into the operational realities of scaling Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs. Matt breaks down why starting with a "DFR 1.0" approach using visual observers on rooftops rather than immediate full infrastructure investments allows agencies to gather critical data, prove launch locations, and build vital community trust without incurring high upfront costs.

The discussion provides a clear, practical overview of the evolving FAA regulatory landscape, differentiating Part 107 civil operations from Part 91 public aircraft operations (COAs), and explaining the progression from Tactical BVLOS to First Responder BVLOS and DAA-backed true BVLOS waivers. Matt shares technical and logistical considerations for deploying dock solutions (such as power, connectivity, and rooftop access), stresses the importance of an incremental "crawl, walk, run" deployment strategy, and highlights how holistic program management tools like DroneSense Remote unlock real-time situational awareness and seamless multi-agency collaboration during critical incidents.

Why This Episode Matters Today:

As public safety agencies across the country transition from manual drone deployments to automated DFR and BVLOS operations, regulatory hurdles, infrastructure demands, and funding questions can stall progress. Matt Rybar provides a realistic, field-tested roadmap that empowers command staff and drone program managers to navigate FAA waivers, select the right hardware/software integrations, and build sustainable, community-backed programs that increase officer safety and response efficiency.

Episode Highlights:

• [01:17] When embarking on a drone program, Matt advises caution. He says it's important to start small and find ways to gather data, test theories, test launch sites, and then evolve that programme. Matt emphasizes that public trust has to come into that process as well. When you start to build that public trust through a DFR programme, there must be data to show how you got to your conclusions about how you plan to operate, from what hours you will fly, what shifts you’re going to do, and how you have selected all of this.

• [05:07] Matt highlights the importance of understanding FAA regulations and the different operational frameworks, such as Part 107 and Part 91, that govern drone operations. He explains that while there is a debate about which framework is best for public safety, there is a place for both Part 107 and Part 91 in drone operations. Matt also discusses the use of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waivers in public safety drone programs. He explains that there are different levels of BVLOS waivers, from tactical BVLOS for low altitude operations to true BVLOS that requires additional technology for detecting and avoiding manned aircraft. Matt emphasizes the importance of working closely with the FAA to ensure compliance and safety in these operations.

• [10:42] Matt expresses great excitement about drone docks (specialized stations designed to support the automated operation, charging, and housing of drones), and says that over the last two years they have revolutionized their thought process. He says that while it was possible to remotely control aircraft before drone docks, “the thought of having a dock and being a seamless remote operation is just so incredible”. Matt also looks forward to what the next few years bring in terms of the development of better drone dock technology.

Episode Resources:

• Unmanned Vehicle Technologies website
• Matt Rybar on LinkedIn
• DroneSense Website

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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Original Recording Date: June 6, 2024

Host John McLeod sits down with Matt Rybar, Vice President of Special Projects at Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT). Blending his background in electrical engineering with years of law enforcement experience as a patrol deputy, patrol officer, and emergency manager, Matt brings both practical public safety expertise and technical depth to the conversation.

The discussion traces the historical evolution of public safety drone programs from 2016 to the present day, emphasizing how hardware advancements and payload quality, especially thermal imaging have dramatically expanded operational capabilities. Matt outlines the critical importance of establishing public trust early on through transparency and clear communication regarding how drones are used to benefit citizens. He shares practical guidance for agencies launching new programs, stressing the need for a solid deployment plan, structured recurring monthly training, and a robust program management software foundation like DroneSense before chasing new tech trends. Finally, Matt dives into the paradigm shift of Drone as a First Responder (DFR), explaining how deploying drones ahead of ground units provides critical, actionable intelligence, clears lower-priority calls faster, and optimizes public safety responses.

Why This Episode Matters Today:

As public safety agencies rapidly adopt and scale drone operations, establishing transparent public communication and building a sound operational framework are essential. Matt Rybar’s dual perspective as a former responder and technology solution provider demonstrates how proper planning, policy, and DFR integration directly improve officer safety, speed up incident response, and foster genuine community trust.

Episode Highlights:

• [04:55] Matt says that drone technology has come a long way. He remembers the first thermal camera that could be attached to a small aircraft, and compares it to the thermal cameras that are available now, saying they are ten times the quality. Matt also cites the example of a missing suspects case that was eventually solved within thirty seconds by a drone—he wonders whether the technology even five years ago would have allowed them to achieve that from the capabilities available. However, while the technology has advanced rapidly, Matt stresses that the foundation of many drone programs remains the same.

• [13:06] Matt discusses the challenges and considerations of starting a drone program for public safety. He advises agencies to start with a deployment plan, determine the mission set, and establish initial and recurring training for team members—Matt says it boils down to the question, ‘What does your mission set look like? How are you going to deploy that aircraft? What's your initial training going to look like?’. Matt also emphasizes the importance of selecting the right software and hardware solutions, and recommends using a holistic program management tool like DroneSense.

• [20:51] Matt explains that DFR involves making drones the first on-scene responders to provide actionable intelligence to human responders before their arrival. He says that, while traditional call takers do an excellent job, in times of crisis there can be miscommunication or misunderstandings that lead to delays or issues. Matt says that getting a drone on the scene sooner can generate actionable intelligence that may allow the fire service, the police service, or medical teams to scale up or scale down their response based on that intelligence.

Episode Resources:

• Unmanned Vehicle Technologies website
• Matt Rybar on LinkedIn
• DroneSense Websitehttps://podcasts.fame.so/go/77e192ccb0

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Original Recording Date: April 3, 2024
Host John McLeod sits down with Philip Miller, a Medicolegal Death Investigator with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Believed to operate one of the nation's premier full-scale drone programs housed within a state medical examiner’s office, Philip shares his journey from childhood aviation dreams to integrating specialized UAS technology into death scene processing.

The conversation focuses on the practical benefits that drones offer medicolegal investigators, ranging from mapping fatal crash scenes with centimeter accuracy in minutes to using thermal payloads to locate scattered evidence or victims. Philip outlines how livestreaming feeds via DroneSense allows off-site doctors and command staff to gain immediate situational awareness and first-person fly-through views of complex scenes. Furthermore, he addresses key challenges early adopters face, such as regulatory compliance, program communication, and overcoming public surveillance fears through proactive community engagement.

Why This Episode Matters Today:

As public safety agencies expand their drone operations, medicolegal death investigation represents a critical, emerging frontier. Philip Miller’s work demonstrates how integrating aerial imagery into death investigations speeds up scene clearance, protects field personnel in dangerous environments, and provides unprecedented documentation accuracy for medical examiners, families, and the justice system.

Episode Highlights:

• [01:37] In his role as a medicolegal death investigator, Philip blends medical and legal expertise to examine deaths that may require legal examination. From answering sudden calls to examining scenes, each day brings new challenges. Philip values being a voice for those who can no longer speak and finds deep fulfillment in providing answers to grieving families. Despite the often-overlooked nature of their work in public safety, Philip and his colleagues play an honorable role in justice and community service.

• [08:42] Philip recounts his journey with drones, starting modestly with a Mavic 2 Pro to avoid hefty initial investments. His drone operations have since expanded with the acquisition of a more advanced Matrice 30T supported by state chief Dr. Pfeifer, which became key for diverse operations, from helping night-time investigations with thermal imaging to assessing disaster impacts across the state.

• [19:46] Implementing a drone program comes down to knowing the legalities and operational guidelines. Philip advises newcomers to thoroughly understand what they can and cannot do legally and to foster good relationships with local agencies. This network will not only provide you with vital support but also aid in efficient communication, ensuring timely operations and effective use of resources, which are essential for a successful drone program.

Episode Resources:

• Philip Miller on LinkedIn
• Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Website
• SOMDI: The Society of Medicolegal Death Investigators Website
• DroneSense Website

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Original Recording Date: March 7, 2024

Host John McLeod welcomes Chris Baker, who serves as the Drone and Robotics Coordinator within Oswego's municipal IT department. Unlike traditional public safety aviation programs housed strictly within law enforcement or fire departments, Oswego took an innovative approach by embedding its drone infrastructure directly within its technology department. Chris shares how this consolidated IT model streamlines maintenance, centralizes funding, and frees sworn first responders to focus on frontline duties.

The conversation highlights the unique operational benefits of deploying DFR in smaller, tight-knit municipalities. Chris breaks down how two docked drones and airspace monitoring cover the entire city, allowing operators to get eyes on the scene before officers arrive, drastically improving response times, officer safety, and resource allocation. Additionally, Chris details his playbook for overcoming local political pushback through targeted stakeholder presentations and shares inspiring real-world success stories, from finding a missing child in two minutes to safely locating hotspots during a cold-weather structural fire.

Why This Episode Matters Today:

As smaller municipalities across the country evaluate modern public safety technologies, Oswego's unique administrative structure offers a highly scalable model. By housing drone operations under municipal IT, small communities can maximize tight budgets, reduce hardware downtime, and accelerate DFR deployment without overburdening sworn department staff. Chris Baker’s frontline playbook provides actionable guidance for navigating council approvals, mitigating airspace risks, and securing community trust.

Episode Highlights:

• [06:36] Often, drone programs are run directly by the fire or police department, but the City of Oswego’s tech department is responsible for theirs. Chris initially decided to move it into the IT department as he saw benefits to running it from one central location. For one, it made budgeting simpler. They could budget annually for the entire drone program instead of budgeting small amounts from the limited budgets of the respective departments. It also freed up the time of the police and firefighters, letting them get back to doing what they do best. Moving the program to the IT department has allowed it to grow and evolve faster.

• [14:21] Drone First Responder (DFR) programs are still somewhat in their infancy across the country, and often, people assume they are only useful in dense, urban environments, such as Manhattan. Oswego is a perfect example of how they can work well in different-sized cities and, in fact, might work better. Chris sees small communities as perfect for DFR programs because they don’t have the same resources as larger cities. They have limited staff in police and fire departments and may not have an extra officer available when certain calls come in. This is when drones are useful, as they can get one out and to the location while waiting for an available officer, and the situation can be monitored remotely.

• [18:23] Drone program administrators sometimes have to act as a Jack of all trades, needing to maintain relationships with stakeholders and market the program to secure funding constantly. There are many different avenues to navigate. Chris explains that the community is one of the more important ones, as they need to recognize that drone programs are not an invasion of privacy but a tool for helping them. To manage this, Chris often pushes out social media campaigns to inform the wider community about the benefits of the drone program and reshares posts from neighboring communities. It’s all about constantly getting the right information out there.

Episode Resources:

• Email Chris: cbaker@oswegony.org
• DroneSense Website

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Original Recording Date: March 5, 2024

In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod welcomes Matt Rowland, a 21-year retired veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) and founder/administrator of the department's Air Support Unit.

Matt takes listeners back to 2017 when FWPD’s drone program began with a blank sheet of paper, four pilots, and basic barricade overwatch for SWAT operations. He details the rapid technological progression over the last nine years—from stringing physical HDMI cords out of command buses to utilizing 5G-connected tablets and real-time video management via DroneSense.

The conversation dives deep into key operational milestones, including conducting multi-drone overwatch during 2020 civil unrest, securing FAA waivers to fly presidential overwatch during President Trump’s 2018 visit, and establishing Indiana’s premier public safety drone program. Matt breaks down the practical realities of public safety drone budgeting, managing personnel resources, navigating foreign hardware restrictions, and leveraging autonomous docks and AI to amplify officer efficiency. Finally, Matt highlights why radical transparency through dozens of annual public demos and media access is essential for securing community trust.

Why This Episode Still Matters Today:

As public safety agencies across the country face rising call volumes, staffing shortages, and tight municipal budgets, FWPD’s journey offers a proven roadmap for technology adoption. Matt Rowland demonstrates how transitioning from basic tactical overwatch to an integrated DFR model can clear 15% to 20% of routine calls for service without dispatching patrol officers. His frontline lessons on navigating hardware bans, evaluating future AI tools, and building deep community trust provide an essential playbook for any agency looking to modernize its public safety aviation program.

Episode Highlights:

• [18:45] If you’re thinking about starting a public safety drone program, Matt recommends getting out there and visiting existing ones. Everyone approaches it from a different angle, and there are now roughly thirty programs across the USA, each doing it slightly differently. Through conducting field research, you can see what approach would work best for your team and your needs. The same goes for budgeting; it will depend on what you do and don’t need to budget for based on state and city regulations and how your department is structured.

• [30:42] Since FWPD’s ASU launched in 2017, they have had over 13,000 flights. One that sticks out is when President Trump went to the area in 2018 for midterm elections, and they were one of the first local municipality police drone programs to fly overwatch for a President. This involved being the first to find out if there would be issues with drones due to the technology that cuts out communication devices around Presidential limousiness. It turned out that there were, and they would lose communication with the drones, but they were able to resolve this swiftly.

• [39:46] Having built the ASU from the ground up, Matt learned early on that pushing forward is the only way to make progress with such programs. This meant not being afraid of being told no. Sometimes, you will try to do something the program is unequipped for or scaled for, and being told to pull back can do wonders in the long run. On the other hand, he regrets the purchase of an all-weather outdoor drone. They kept trying to push the envelope and invested in this, but it didn’t work out, costing the team.

Episode Resources:

• FWPD ASU on Instagram
• Email Matt: matt.rowland@cityoffortwayne.org
• DroneSense Website

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Original Recording Date: January 2, 2024

In Part 2 of this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod continues his conversation with Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department’s Robotics Emergency Deployment (RED) Team.

Jason shares operational insights on moving beyond basic flight currency to achieve true pilot proficiency. He outlines how Austin FD maintains high-performing pilots through monthly fly days, intentional practice routines, custom web app task books, and drone simulation software. The discussion tackles critical public safety industry shifts, including the impact of anti-China drone legislation on municipal budgets, data security double standards, and practical methods for demystifying drones to earn community trust.

Additionally, Jason details high-impact management decisions—such as utilizing lease-to-buy models to stretch funding for emerging tools like 3D spatial mapping—and warns against common "poison pills" that destroy embryonic drone programs. Finally, he previews the ongoing work of the IAFF/IAFC Robotics Working Group to create open-source, standardized national blueprints for first responders nationwide.

Why This Episode Still Matters Today:

As public safety agencies across the country face tightening municipal budgets, rapid technological evolutions, and impending legislative bans on foreign-made drone hardware, Jason Burnside delivers an indispensable roadmap for program longevity. His emphasis on intent-driven pilot practice, creative hardware leasing, and proactive community engagement offers an evergreen playbook for program managers striving to keep their operations effective, financially viable, and trusted by the communities they serve

Episode Highlights:

• [02:15] Currency vs. Proficiency in Drone Training: Jason explains why 30 minutes of monthly flight time guarantees currency, not proficiency, and details Austin FD's multi-tiered cadence using annual Part 107 recertifications, FAASTeam courses, monthly 3-hour fly days, and custom web app task books.
• [09:30] Navigating Anti-China Legislation & Supply Chain Realities: A candid look at how shifting political dynamics and foreign hardware bans threaten to triple public safety equipment costs while restricting access to life-saving technology.
• [15:10] Building Community Trust Through Transparency: Strategies for demystifying drones, from hosting media fly days and deploying visible command lines at major events like ACL and SXSW to supporting STEM education and drone soccer in high schools.
• [21:40] Creative Hardware Funding: Leasing vs. Buying: How spreading drone payments across two fiscal years unlocked budget capacity to acquire 3D spatial mapping tech, which was recently used to construct a digital twin after a firefighter Mayday scene.
• [26:50] Program Poison Pills to Avoid: Why buying off-the-shelf store drones before establishing strict policy and training prerequisites—or scaling a pilot team beyond available airframes—can sink a program before it starts.
• [32:10] Frontline Lessons & Free National Standards: Jason reflects on flying rooftop missions during 2020 civil unrest to protect responders and citizens, and introduces the IAFF/IAFC initiative providing free, open-source robotics standards for agencies nationwide.

Episode Resources:

• Austin Fire Department Website
• Get started with DroneSense
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Transitioning a drone operation from a basic hobby or simple data collection to a high-stakes emergency response asset requires a fundamental psychological shift. Elsa Klarich, Aviation Director at Light and Earth LLC and an expert UAS operator, joins DroneCast to outline the blueprint for training fleet drone operators to perform under immense pressure. Whether navigating emergency humanitarian aid or delivering vital medical supplies, operators must move past the "video game" mindset and adopt the rigor of a certified pilot in command.

Throughout this conversation, Elsa dives deep into the concept of a "just culture" and explains why standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a form of ultimate self-care rather than administrative red tape. She shares harrowing and unique experiences from her time as a young bush pilot in Tanzania including avoiding wildlife on unmapped airstrips and applies those exact situational awareness frameworks to modern drone fleet management. Additionally, Elsa details the operational mechanics of harmonious airspace integration, mapping out how crewed and uncrewed assets can safely coexist using clear aviation terminology and disciplined radio coordination.

What You'll Learn

• The "Safety Always" Shift: Why moving from "safety first" to a continuous "safety always" mindset changes operational outcomes in high-stress environments.
• Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Psychology: Why treating every size of UAS as an official aircraft removes the dangerous "video game" illusion and enforces strict accountability.
• Harmonious Airspace Integration: The practical steps, radio communication techniques, and standardized terminology required for drones to coexist safely with crewed aircraft.
• Bush Pilot Situational Awareness: How the extreme calculations of density altitude, weight distribution, and real-time obstacle avoidance translate directly into drone mission readiness.
• Cultivating a Just Culture: How organizations can build open, non-punitive reporting ecosystems that foster continuous training and educational currency.

Helpful Links

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights by checking DroneSense on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@dronesense
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Toy vs. Aircraft: Elsa opens with a direct warning: drones are not video games. High-stakes operations command the exact same intensity and responsibility as manned aircraft.
[00:04:16] Redefining the Safety Culture: Elsa breaks down her core philosophy: "safety always," and explains how safety functions as the ultimate form of selfless self-care for an aviation team.
[00:09:41] Global Working Groups & Community: A look into how international groups like We Robotics and African civil aviation working groups are collaborating to steer modern drone policy and education.
[00:13:39] Harmonious Airspace Integration: Elsa explains the reality of flying complex BVLOS commercial operations safely alongside crewed aircraft in both controlled and uncontrolled airspaces.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Original recording date: August 2025

The days of waiting for slow processes during remote emergency response are challenging, especially when legislative red tape creates an operational bottleneck. Elsa Klarich, founder of Light and Earth LLC and a seasoned unmanned aerial systems instructor and operator, joins DroneCast to discuss the accelerating evolution of drone operations. From navigating the distinct regulatory climates of the Global South to deploying life-saving medical supplies in minutes rather than days, Elsa explores the intersection of aviation innovation and global relief work.

Throughout the conversation, Elsa dives into the challenges that civil aviation authorities encounter due to lean teams, the critical importance of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), and why a data-driven approach is paramount when drafting local drone policies. She also sheds light on the stark operational differences between crewed and uncrewed aircraft training, noting that regardless of size, a drone carries the immense responsibility of an aircraft in command.

What You'll Learn:

• The Global South Advantage: Why developing countries starting from zero regulations are uniquely privileged to look at global examples and build optimized, modern frameworks from the ground up.
• Macro Trends in Aviation: A look at how safety and security mitigation, counter-UAS, and advanced air mobility are shaping the global airspace.
• The 15-Minute Emergency Launch: The logistical breakdown of running risk assessments and checklists for rapid Class 2 aircraft deployment compared to traditional crewed aircraft.
• Legislative Foresight: Why policymakers must anticipate tech advancements five years down the line to avoid immediate regulatory obsolescence.
• Human Factors in Training: How intensive ground training and pilot-in-command (PIC) responsibility transfer from crewed aviation to drones

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights by checking DroneSense on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dronesense
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!

Episode Highlights:

• [00:06:30] Macro Hot Topics Facing CAAs: Elsa outlines the massive focus on safety, counter-UAS, and unmanned traffic management (UTM) as regulators try to keep up with beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities.
• [00:13:00] Thinking Five Years Ahead: A breakdown of legislative lifecycles and why waiting years for parliament approvals means regulations are often outdated by the time they pass.
• [00:17:10] The Speed of UAS vs. Crewed Flight: Elsa contrasts the 45+ minutes it takes to prep a crewed aircraft with the ultra-fast 12-to-15-minute emergency launch window a drone can achieve.
• [00:20:55] Toy vs. Aircraft: A candid look at why drone training requires intense rigor, highlighting that uncrewed systems carry massive responsibility and are not just a video game.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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Original Recording Date: January 2, 2024

In this special "From the Archives" re-release of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department's Robotics Emergency Deployment (RED) Team, originally recorded on January 2, 2024, he discussed the foundational principles of how drones enhance public safety, make firefighters' jobs easier and safer, the ongoing challenges of integrating drones into fire departments, and early predictions regarding the future of augmented reality and autonomous launching that remain deeply relevant today.

With an initial background in theater and acting, Jason shifted to firefighting, where he brought a unique perspective to the RED team. Passionate about aviation and technology, he became deeply involved in integrating drone technology into firefighting. Established in January 2014, the RED team started as a small volunteer group and has grown to 35 pilots. Today, they focus on sharing their expertise and experiences with other agencies, helping them to accelerate their development in emergency response through the innovative use of drones.

Why This Episode Still Matters Today:

While hardware like the Matrice 30 series has evolved, the organizational and cultural hurdles of technology adoption remain identical. Jason Burnside's insights on securing top-down command buy-in, balancing software simplicity under stress, and treating UAS as a standard fireground tool serve as an evergreen playbook. Furthermore, his early vision of a municipal "Venn diagram" of autonomous, button-press drone stations directly mirrors the modern rise of Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs, making this archive conversation incredibly prophetic.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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As drone technology transitions from a novel law enforcement tool to an absolute operational necessity, agencies face a dual challenge: maximizing tactical efficiency while maintaining tight community partnerships. In this episode, David Naranjo balances the practical mechanics of drone integration with the strategic decisions facing modern public safety leadership.

David pulls back the curtain on how to bridge the gap between isolated UAS teams and active SWAT units through collaborative scenario training. He walks listeners through concrete tactical frameworks, explaining why a minimum of two drones is preferred to safely clear an interior structure and how standardizing pilot proficiency with NIST flight courses builds an unshakeable foundation for airborne operations.

The conversation also addresses the critical financial and ethical questions of modern deployment. David highlights a powerful cautionary tale about agencies over-buying heavy machinery when agile fleets are required. He also confronts the impending "sci-fi" reality of automated AI suspect spotting , emphasizing that the key to a successful modern drone program isn't just having the best hardware—it’s proactively establishing policy transparency with the citizens you serve.

What You'll Learn:

• SWAT & UAS Integration: Why joint scenario training between separate drone teams and tactical operators is vital to true operational success.
• The Double-Drone Standard: The tactical risk of running solo interior operations and how a two-drone system maps out and holds tight structures.
• The NIST Blueprint: How standardized testing lanes from NIST build foundational pilot proficiency and form a pathway toward agency certification.
• DFR and Remote Teleoperation: The shift toward DFR (Drone as First Responder) solutions controlled via keyboard and mouse, plus the value of remote training environments.
• Mission-Centric Fleet Budgeting: How to align purchasing decisions with specific regional mission sets rather than simply buying the flashiest or most expensive systems on the market.
• Community-First AI Policy: Real-world strategies for introducing cutting-edge AI and data tracking without alienating public trust.

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights on the official DroneCast website:https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:49] Breaking the Silos: A discussion on the organizational challenge of having SWAT and UAS operating as separate entities and why integrated training is required to unlock full capability.
• [00:02:57] Interior Clearing Tactics: A breakdown of how clearing a house with a drone mirrors human room-clearing, utilizing concepts like "pieing" doorways and "running the walls".
• [00:06:26] Evaluating Performance via NIST: How standardized testing lanes allow agencies to objectively compare gimbal speed, camera quality, and operator proficiency before deployment.
• [00:09:39] Training DFR via Teleoperations: The upcoming frontier of testing DFR solutions from remote locations and how keyboard-and-mouse setups are shortening the pilot learning curve.
• [00:15:10] Defining Your Mission Sets: Why agencies must identify their core operational goals (overwatch vs. interior flight) before allocating a single dollar of budget.
• [00:17:31] The Reality of American-Made Drones: A candid look at balancing NDAA compliance and price points with the foundational need for field reliability.
• [00:20:37] Strategic Docking Stations: Looking 5 to 10 years into the future where strategically placed drone docks on infrastructure like fire stations create blanket city coverage.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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The days of waiting 40 minutes for a helicopter are over. David Naranjo, a DFR (Drone as First Responder) pilot and UAS instructor, joins DroneCast to discuss the revolutionary shift in public safety operations. Drawing from over a decade of experience in patrol and tactical deployments, David breaks down how drones have moved from a "nice-to-have" luxury to an operational necessity.

From identifying a "shotgun" as a BB gun in under sixty seconds to brainstorming "sci-fi" methods for deploying stop sticks via drone, this episode explores the creative and life-saving applications of UAS technology. David also delves into the unique challenges of interior flight, the importance of "stress inoculation" in training, and why experienced patrol officers often make the best incident commanders from the air.

What You'll Learn:

• The Power of DFR: How launching a drone in under a minute changes the calculus of emergency response.
• De-escalation in Action: Real-world examples of how aerial video prevents tragic misunderstandings during "armed" suspect calls.
• SWAT Integration: Why drones are now the first ones through the door in high-risk entries and barricade situations.
• Creative Problem Solving: The evolution of "out-of-the-box" tactics, including lighting up rooms for smaller drones and tactical stop stick placement.
• Training for Success: Why crashing in training is a necessary "price of doing business" to find the limits of the technology.

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights on the official DroneCast website:https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02:20] The BB Gun De-escalation: David recounts a call involving four "armed" kids where drone zoom capabilities allowed officers to see the weapon was actually a single-shot BB gun, preventing a potentially lethal confrontation.
• [00:05:35] Thinking Outside the Box: A look at how the department explores using drones for vehicle pursuits, including the concept of landing a drone to place stop sticks.
• [00:09:00] Taking the Radio: How DFR pilots act as incident commanders, handling radio traffic and guiding ground units so officers can focus on the immediate threat.
• [00:10:46] The SWAT Necessity: David explains why drone teams are now a mandatory part of every SWAT deployment, often replacing traditional ground robots.
• [00:14:42] Mitigating Failure: Strategies for dealing with low-light environments and signal loss during interior missions, including using "tandem" drones to provide auxiliary lighting.

Episode Resources:

• David Naranjo on LinkedIn
• Get started with DroneSense
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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Note: This episode was recorded in 2026. At the time of this recording, Kevin Raber discusses his extensive background in military intelligence and his current focus on holistic data gathering across energy, agriculture, and public safety sectors.

For Kevin Raber, safety isn't just a corporate buzzword—it's a survival mechanism inherited from a career in Special Operations. In this episode, Kevin explains how the rigorous risk mitigation strategies of the military are being adapted for civilian infrastructure inspections and emergency response. He details the "checklist culture" that keeps pilots disciplined and how this foundation allows for the flexibility needed when rolling up to a disaster site or a high-pressure search and rescue mission.

The conversation shifts to the future of the national airspace: BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) and Part 108. Kevin argues that the real innovation isn't just better cameras, but the underlying communication architecture—such as the dedicated six gigahertz band and drone control over LTE/5G—that allows for "drone-in-a-box" solutions and remote command center hand-offs. Whether it’s saving hundreds of thousands of dollars on a construction site by identifying HVAC discrepancies or providing real-time live streams to command elements during a hurricane, Kevin illustrates that the drone is simply the tool that delivers the most valuable asset of all: refined intelligence.

What You'll Learn:

• The Safety Foundation: Why a "checklist culture" is the prerequisite for mission flexibility and risk mitigation.
• Disaster Response Reconnaissance: How drones reached "unreachable" areas during recent North Carolina hurricanes to provide real-time data to command elements.
• The Infrastructure Value-Add: Using progression modeling and photogrammetry to save hundreds of thousands in construction and inspection costs.
• The Communication Revolution: Why the dedicated six gigahertz band and 5G infrastructure are the keys to unlocking BVLOS and Part 108.
• Building a Program: Advice for public safety agencies on navigating FAA regulations, COAs, and Fourth Amendment limitations.

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights on the official DroneCast website:https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Episode Highlights:

• [00:10:45] Risk Mitigation: Why the military’s "oversight" and "safety planning" is the most underrated carryovers to the civilian drone sector.
• [00:13:30] The HVAC Save: A real-world case study on using 3D models to catch massive structural errors before they become expensive failures.
• [00:29:07] Checklist Culture: Why "pilot" is a professional title that demands standardized procedures and week-to-week maintenance.
• [00:33:30] The Fourth Amendment: Understanding the legal and procurement hurdles unique to government-led public safety drone programs.
• [00:46:20] The 6 GHz Revolution: How dedicated frequencies and 5G infrastructure are finally solving the "command and control" problem.

Episode Resources:

• Kevin Raber on LinkedIn
• Get started with DroneSense
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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Note: This episode was recorded in 2025. At the time of this recording, Kevin Raber was serving as the President of ex Umbra Solutions. Please be advised that Kevin has since transitioned to a new role at a different organization. While his professional affiliation has changed, the strategic insights and intelligence-led methodologies discussed in this session remain a gold standard for the industry.

For over twenty years, Kevin Raber served in the US Army’s Special Operations, handling missions that didn't fit neatly into any traditional box. His entry into the world of unmanned systems was just as unconventional: showing up in Turkey and being tasked with figuring out how to use a pallet of 500 Phantom 4s. What began as a military tasking turned into a career standing up drone programs for allies in Syria and Ukraine, where hundreds of drones quickly turned into thousands.

Now the President of ex Umbra Solutions, Kevin applies the "intelligence mindset" to industries like telecom, energy, and public safety. He argues that the industry has shifted; the government no longer holds a monopoly on advanced technology, and in many cases, civilian hardware is superior to military-procured systems. Through his experience, Kevin illustrates that the real value of a drone professional isn't in their "stick skills" but in their ability to analyze raw data, communicate up and down the chain of command, and provide the refined intelligence needed to make informed decisions.

What You'll Learn:

• The "Deliverable" Mentality: Why clients pay for the "house," not the "hammer," and how to focus on end results rather than just flying.
• The Rapid Evolution of Tech: Why civilian sectors are moving at "leaps and bounds" compared to traditional military procurement.
• The Intelligence Pipeline: How to collect raw data, refine it, and package it into actionable intelligence for command elements.
• Soft Skills in High-Stakes Scenes: The vital importance of communication and situational awareness when operating as a "cog in the machine" during public safety missions.
• Beyond the Pilot: Why the future of the industry belongs to "data collectors" rather than just those who enjoy flying drones.

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights on the official DroneCast website:https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00] The First Pallet: Kevin describes arriving in Turkey to 500 drones and no instructions.
• [00:03:12] Global Impact: Standing up drone programs for allies in Syria and Ukraine.
• [00:08:12] Accidental Industry: Why most drone professionals today "stumbled" into the career.
• [00:15:15] Military vs. Civilian Tech: An honest look at why civilian sensors are often better than military ones.
• [00:23:21] The Death of Stick Skills: How automated flight is shifting the pilot's role to mission management and data redundancy.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

The honeymoon phase of drone technology is over, and the industry is now facing the "Pandora’s box" of unauthorized aerial activity. David Lewin explores the escalating threats facing correctional facilities and critical infrastructure, where sophisticated cartels are leveraging drone delivery for nefarious purposes. He highlights the critical gap between current legislation and the rapid pace of innovation, particularly the recent executive orders aimed at restoring American airspace sovereignty.

David breaks down the "ground truth" of cognitive radar, explaining how machine learning differentiates between a bird, a plane, and a non-compliant drone. Through the lens of "The 25% Impact Rule," he demonstrates how aerial intelligence de-escalates calls and saves lives. Looking forward, David paints a picture of a "Jetsons" future where drones as a service (DaaS) and autonomous "speeders" are made possible by the very detection systems protecting us today.

What You'll Learn:

• The Cartel Threat: How sophisticated groups are using drones for contraband delivery in rural and correctional settings.
• Fine-Tooth Radar: Why pinpoint accuracy is essential for separating individual targets within a drone swarm.
• The Sovereignty Shift: Key insights into the new executive orders focusing on "Unleashing American Drone Dominance."
• Compliance vs. Detection: Why relying on Remote ID alone is a gamble and how radar serves as the ultimate baseline for safety.
• The Future of DaaS: How shared infrastructure like Uber will eventually make drone services affordable for every city agency.

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights on the official DroneCast website:https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00] The Rec Yard Drop: David describes radar footage of a drone dropping contraband into a prison yard in the dead of night.

• [00:04:47] Cognitive Radar: A look at how machine learning helps radar differentiate between a flock of geese and a target of interest.

• [00:10:40] Legislative Breakthroughs: Discussion on the recent inclusion of prisons as critical infrastructure for flight restrictions.

• [00:30:10] Defeating the Swarm: How narrow-beam radar prevents 20 drones from appearing as a single "giant blob" on the screen.

• [00:41:00] The Jetsons Reality: David’s vision for the next decade of personal aerial transportation and "Star Wars" style speeders.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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Security has long been defined by what happens on the ground—fences, cameras, and physical barriers. But as David Lewin points out, a multi-million dollar investment in ground security can be negated by a single drone zipping over the perimeter. This shift in vulnerability is driving a massive change in how utilities, water systems, and public safety agencies view their responsibilities.

David shares his journey from early robotics to reshaping security standards for the water sector, eventually finding his way to the front lines of radar innovation. He argues that drone detection isn't just about stopping "bad" drones; it is the fundamental enabler for the "good" ones. By establishing situational awareness, agencies can safely scale Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs and conduct complex missions.

Through real-world stories—ranging from preventing a police altercation with a "train enthusiast" to the 25% of DFR calls that are cleared before an officer arrives—David illustrates that aerial intelligence is the bedrock of modern public safety.

What You'll Learn:

• The Critical Gap: Why millions spent on physical hardening are at risk without airspace awareness.
• The 25% Impact Rule: How DFR programs are clearing one out of every four calls, keeping officers available for high-priority emergencies.
• Detection as an Enabler: Why you can’t have a "drones for good" program without a foundation of drone detection.
• De-escalation from Above: How aerial footage protects both citizens and law enforcement during high-stakes calls.
• The Multi-Mission Movement: Why the next generation of security tools must be interoperable and multi-use.

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights on the official DroneCast website:https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Episode Highlights:

• [00:03:30] Hardening the Fence is Not Enough: David discusses how drones bypass traditional security investments at power plants and water facilities.

• [00:11:30] The Pizza Shop Call: A lighthearted example of how a drone quickly identified an "unconscious" person as someone simply enjoying lunch.

• [00:12:40] Preventing Tragedy: A look at how drones provide the "body cam of the sky" to prevent accidental shootings of good Samaritans.

• [00:16:30] The Foundation of Safety: Why knowing who is supposed to be in the air allows the national airspace to remain free and accessible.

• [00:26:00] Radar on the Move: How mounting radar systems directly onto drones is replacing the pilot's view for high-altitude missions.

Episode Resources:

• David Lewin on LinkedIn
• Get started with DroneSense
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

[This episode was recorded on June 27, 2025. Some references may reflect information available at that time.]

Innovation in emergency response rarely happens in controlled environments.

More often, it emerges during disasters where traditional methods are no longer enough.

Chief Wayne Baker shares a powerful example from hurricane response efforts in Asheville, North Carolina. Massive flooding left entire areas inaccessible, trapping victims who could not be reached by ground crews. Drones were immediately deployed to locate survivors in areas rescuers physically could not reach.

But the response didn’t stop at search and rescue.

In one remarkable moment, farmers brought in heavy-lift agricultural drones and adapted them on the spot. Using modified baskets attached to the drones, they delivered food, water, and medications to stranded victims waiting for help. Smaller drones first identified the victims and determined what supplies were needed. Larger drones then carried the aid directly to them.

It was an improvised solution in the middle of a disaster, but it demonstrated something profound: drones are no longer just eyes in the sky. They are becoming active tools for delivering assistance when roads, bridges, and traditional logistics fail.

As drone programs expand, however, technology alone is not enough.

Wayne explains how early drone programs quickly ran into a new challenge: training. Many first responders had little aviation or technical background, and agencies needed a structured way to prepare pilots for real-world operations.

Drawing from his background as a fire service training officer, Wayne helped develop early drone training frameworks that combined aviation knowledge, hands-on flight skills, and operational decision-making. These programs eventually evolved into regional standards used by public safety UAS response teams and agencies across the country.

The conversation highlights a crucial reality for the future of public safety drones: success depends not only on hardware, but on the people operating it.

The agencies that will benefit most from drone technology are the ones investing in training, leadership, and operational readiness today.

What You'll Learn:

• How drones were used to locate and support victims during hurricane response operations
• How heavy-lift drones delivered food, water, and medicine to stranded survivors
• Why disaster zones often drive the most important technological innovation
• How public safety agencies began developing structured drone training programs
• Why motivation and leadership are just as important as technical skills when building drone teams

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights on the official DroneCast website:https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Episode Highlights:

• [04:38 – 05:28] Drones in Hurricane Response
Joe describes how drones were deployed during a hurricane disaster in Asheville, North Carolina to locate trapped victims in flooded areas that rescuers could not reach by ground.

• [05:28 – 06:20] Delivering Food and Medicine by Drone
Farmers adapted heavy-lift agricultural drones to carry baskets of food, water, and medication to stranded victims, demonstrating how drones can deliver aid when roads are inaccessible.

• [08:41 – 09:40] Building the First Training Standards
Joe explains how early drone programs developed structured training systems to ensure first responders could safely and effectively operate UAS technology.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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Every major operational shift in public safety can be traced back to a call that forces perspective.

For Chief Wayne Baker, one of those calls came during a rare flood event. What was normally a quiet creek had become a dangerous river. Rescue boats were deployed. Crews searched visually along the waterline. Conditions were chaotic, and visibility was limited.

When the drone went up, everything changed.

The aircraft located victims positioned in a tree that rescuers could not see from the water. The drone guided boats directly to the location. Crews later reviewed the footage to confirm positioning before going back in. Fortunately, the individuals had self-extricated, but the outcome could have been very different. That moment demonstrated something powerful. Aerial overwatch was not supplemental. It was decisive.

Later, during a wildfire incident, another defining moment occurred. From the ground, the fire appeared to be progressing in a predictable direction. Once the drone was launched, Chief Baker saw something no one else could. The fire had wrapped in a U-shape around their position, creating a second head running parallel to the original.

Three homes were directly threatened.

Because units were still incoming, he was able to redirect resources immediately. Without that aerial view, those homes likely would have been lost. There is also the possibility that someone could have been inside.

These were not theoretical benefits. They were operational realities.

In this conversation, Chief Baker reflects on how incidents like these permanently shifted the internal dialogue within agencies. The early conversations were filled with questions. Why do we need a drone? Is this necessary? Is this worth the investment?

After water rescues and hidden fire heads, the tone changed.

Now, the question is simple. Why don’t you have one?

Part 1 of this episode captures the early inflection point of public safety drone programs. It is about experience, not hype. It is about what happens when technology intersects with responsibility and command-level decision-making.

What You'll Learn:

• How aerial overwatch directly supported a flood rescue that ground crews could not visually manage
• Why wildfire strategy changes when you can see the entire fire pattern in real time
• How drones compress the time between uncertainty and decision
• What shifted inside public safety agencies as real-world results replaced skepticism
• Why drone programs are now viewed as infrastructure, not experimentation

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights on the official DroneCast website:https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg

Episode Highlights:

• [08:03 – 08:50] The First Water Rescue
Chief Baker describes how a drone located victims in a tree during a rare flooding event when boats could not visually identify them. The aircraft guided responders directly to the location, marking one of the earliest clear validations of drones in emergency response.

• [44:44 – 45:26] The Hidden Fire Head
A wildfire wrapped into a U-shaped formation, creating a secondary advancing head that was invisible from the ground. The drone revealed the threat to three homes, allowing incoming units to be redirected in time.

• [45:26 – 46:09] From “Why Drones?” to “Where’s My Drone?”
Chief Baker reflects on how repeated operational successes shifted agency culture from questioning the need for drones to expecting them on scene.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

[This episode was recorded on May 20, 2025. Some references may reflect information available at that time.]

Public safety agencies often treat drones as supplemental tools, useful but optional. Jeff Alexy challenges that mindset.

Drawing from real incidents in San Bernardino County, Jeff explains how drones are now being used as true first responders. In one case, a drone was dispatched instead of a fire engine to a “fire type unknown,” identifying a simple cooking fire and resolving the situation remotely, saving time, money, and critical resources. In another, thermal drones located injured hikers in under a minute when helicopters were unavailable, proving unmanned systems can outperform traditional air assets in time‑critical scenarios.

Jeff also shares his work with the FAA to deploy a 3,000‑pound, 84‑foot wingspan drone capable of flying 24/7, 365 days a year over San Bernardino County. Designed for sustained aerial situational awareness, this program represents a major shift in how large jurisdictions monitor fires, accidents, and emerging threats at scale.

This conversation offers a practical, field‑tested look at how drones reduce risk to firefighters, preserve taxpayer resources, and expand what’s operationally possible in modern emergency response.

What You'll Learn:

• How drones can replace or defer million‑dollar fire apparatus deployments
• Why thermal drones outperform helicopters in certain search and rescue scenarios
• How “fire type unknown” calls are draining resources—and how drones solve it
• What sustained aerial situational awareness actually looks like in practice
• Why working with the FAA—not around it—is key to scaling public safety drone programs

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Episode Highlights:

• 14:33 – 15:19] How Drones Replace Million‑Dollar Fire Trucks
Jeff explains how a drone resolved a homeless cooking fire without deploying a fire engine, preserving resources for higher‑priority emergencies.

• [21:55 – 22:42] Finding Lost Hikers With Thermal Drones
Jeff recounts a nighttime rescue where thermal imaging located injured hikers within minutes when helicopters were unavailable.

• [42:34 – 43:22] First in the Nation: 24/7 County‑Wide Drone Surveillance
Jeff details his work with the FAA to operate a 3,000‑pound unmanned aircraft for continuous aerial situational awareness.

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: https://www.fame.so/

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables

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