Public Safety

In this fireside chat, Phil Gonshak of Skydio hosts a discussion with public safety drone pioneers Vern Sallee of Axon and Kabe Termes of Skydio. They reflect on the origins of the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program at Chula Vista Police Department, the public-private partnerships that enabled it, and the regulatory and community transparency challenges they overcame. The conversation explores how DFR has evolved from early rooftop operations to today’s autonomous, dock-based deployments powered by Skydio’s X10 drones and Axon’s integrated ecosystem. They highlight the shift from drone programs as tactical tools to scalable infrastructure that supports multiple city functions, and the unique advantages of the Skydio-Axon partnership in reliability, real-time awareness, and policy-compliant deployment. The session concludes with audience Q&A on COA processes, community engagement, rural connectivity, and Skydio's roadmap for scaling drone use across public safety and beyond.

FAA policy for public safety is shifting fast—and it just got a lot easier to start or scale your Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. The FAA has created a new waiver process for public safety operations - offering a streamlined path to obtaining a Part 91 BVLOS Certificate of Waiver (COW). The process cuts approval times in half, offers a path to fly above UAS Facility Map altitudes, and doesn’t even require a CAPS application! Join regulatory expert Jakee Stoltz as he breaks down exactly how the new process works and what it means for your agency. Whether you’re launching a new program or expanding advanced operations, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to navigate the latest FAA process updates.

In this webinar, public safety experts explored how Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are transforming law enforcement operations by reducing response times, enhancing situational awareness, and improving resource allocation. Real-world examples from agencies like NYPD, Las Vegas Metro PD, and OKCPD showcase how drones arrive first on scene, providing officers with critical, live-streamed aerial views before they step out of their vehicles. Speakers also covered the financial impact of DFR, including cost savings on dispatches and air support, as well as key steps for launching or expanding a program. The session concluded with an engaging live demo, demonstrating DFR technology in action.

In this live discussion, Rich is joined by Bryan King, a Solutions Engineer at Skydio. Together, they’ll walk through critical response scenarios like the one above and discuss their approach to assisting the communities impacted by Hurricane Milton. This session covers: - Neutralizing ignition risks: How teams prevented potential fire and explosion hazards caused by flammable vapor releases. - Situational awareness without exposure: Relieving on remote assessments is the new standard to make informed decisions without exposing personnel to unnecessary danger, even in unstable or toxic environments. - Seamless interagency communication: Understand how teams used live-streamed aerial views to coordinate communication with precision in real-time. - Reduced impact on the community: Essential gasoline supplies were made available within hours, keeping relief efforts on track and the community stable during the crisis. Join Rich and Bryan, seasoned professionals with over 40+ years of experience in public safety and emergency response to get answers to questions from the front lines.

Join our expert-led webinar to delve into the groundbreaking FAA waiver granted to the NYPD, enabling Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations across 85% of New York City. Discover how this innovative solution improves response times, enhances officer safety, and delivers real-time situational awareness in complex urban settings. Gain valuable insights into how agencies like the NYPD are leveraging drones for shielded and non-shielded operations without visual observers. Hear from our industry expert, Jakee Stoltz, as he share details about the approval process, safety protocols, and strategies for scaling drone operations. Explore answers to common questions through an interactive Q&A session, providing practical advice for agencies looking to start or expand their own drone programs. Whether you're at the beginning stages or seeking to scale, this webinar offers the knowledge and tools needed to deploy drones safely and effectively.

Unlock the future of drone operations with Skydio's groundbreaking approach to Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. As public safety rapidly adopts drone technology, mastering aviation regulations is crucial to fully realizing the benefits of autonomous operations.

Celebrate leaders driving remarkable results and reaching key milestones.

Hear firsthand how aerial robotics enhance safety and efficiency for global leaders.