Citywide Drone Response in Action: Lessons from Wichita
In cities across the country, local agencies are turning to drones to improve emergency response. Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs allow law enforcement to launch drones immediately after a 9-1-1 call is received, delivering real-time visuals to officers and dispatchers before they arrive on scene.
For cities prone to natural disasters, the benefits are even more pronounced. Drones can be deployed when roads are flooded, communications are down, or safety is uncertain—making them a critical tool for situational awareness, rapid damage assessment, and life-saving coordination.
In this session, Phil Gonshak, Skydio's Director of Strategic Initiatives and a former Chief of Police and County Manager, will moderate a conversation with public safety leaders actively implementing DFR in their communities. Wichita’s Mayor Lily Wu and Police Chief Joe Sullivan will share their firsthand experience launching a citywide drone program and the impact it’s already having on emergency response, public safety, and community trust.
The discussion will explore how DFR programs operate, the policies and safeguards in place, and why more city leaders are evaluating their readiness to deploy drone response at scale.
Key Takeaways:
- How drones improve safety and reduce response times
- Funding options and policies for sustainable DFR programs
- Lessons from Wichita city leadership
The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving attendees the chance to hear directly from city and agency leaders about how to take the next step in exploring a drone program for their community.
