Skyfire Consulting is collaborating with the Fremont, California Fire and Police Departments to launch a joint Drone First Responder (DFR) program. Approved by the Fremont City Council, the program leverages Skyfire’s experience working with regulated Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) drone services aimed at enhancing public safety and emergency response times.
The Fremont DFR program utilizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) launched from fixed locations to rapidly respond to public safety incidents. These UAVs, piloted by certified professionals, arrive on-scene ahead of first responders, providing critical real-time situational awareness through live-streamed video. This information empowers responders to make better decisions, de-escalate situations when possible, and identify potential hazards and rescues.
According to the media posts, the Fremont Police and Fire Departments conducted a successful pilot program from November 2022 to January 2023. The program, which deployed UAVs from strategic locations like Parkway Towers, demonstrated the value of DFR in enhancing public safety, reducing response times, and ensuring first responder safety.
The Fremont DFR program is further bolstered by a partnership with Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS). Later this month, WHHS will host UAV launches from its rooftop location on Mowry Avenue, expanding the program’s reach and response capabilities within the community.
In 2019, Skyfire worked alongside the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) with support from the City of San Diego to obtain FAA approval for a emergency response Certificate of Authorization (COA) with a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) provision for public safety.
(Image: Skyfire Consulting)
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