Ohio statewide Drone First Responder pilot

Nine public safety agencies selected to test rapid, drone-based emergency response across the state

Ohio has taken a major step in public safety aviation with the launch of the nation’s first statewide Drone First Responder (DFR) pilot program. State officials announced the selection of nine public safety agencies that will participate in the Ohio Statewide Drone First Responder Pilot Program, an effort designed to expand rapid aerial response for emergencies in communities of all sizes.

The program is led by the Ohio Department of Transportation and its smart mobility initiative, DriveOhio, with program management support from SkyfireAI. The initiative aims to improve situational awareness, support responder safety, and reduce response times through coordinated drone deployment.

Agencies Selected for the Pilot

The nine agencies chosen reflect a broad mix of urban, suburban, and rural jurisdictions across Ohio:

• City of Springfield Police/Fire/EMS

• Athens Police Department

• Lima Police Department

• Toledo Police Department

• Violet Township Fire/EMS

• Austintown Fire Department

• City of Hamilton Police/Fire/EMS

• Amherst Police Department

• Village of Kelleys Island Fire/EMS

State officials noted that several of these agencies plan to share drone resources with nearby jurisdictions. This approach is intended to extend coverage and maximize the program’s statewide impact.

“Ohio is committed to giving our first responders the tools they need to protect lives and serve their communities safely and effectively,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “This statewide Drone First Responder pilot reflects Ohio’s leadership in innovation, our strong partnership with local agencies, and our focus on using technology responsibly to support public safety across the state.”

How the Program Works

The pilot was created under Ohio House Bill 96. It allows participating agencies to deploy state-approved, NDAA-compliant drone systems. These systems support rapid launch, real-time video streaming to command staff, and integration into Ohio’s developing uncrewed aircraft traffic management framework. That framework is being led by Ohio-based CAL Analytics.

“We are enthusiastic supporters of DFR program and thankful for the efforts of so many Ohio leaders to accelerate this program into the execution phase,” said State Representative Adam Holmes. “The DFR program will greatly enhance first responder effectiveness and will provide increased support for all Ohioans. A tremendous capability for our priceless first responders.”

“Ohio is leading the way for the nation with the first statewide DFR program! Our ODOT leaders are setting the stage for an integrated network of DFR assets that will undoubtedly save lives and resources and be a force-multiplier for our undermanned first responder organizations,” said State Representative Bernard Willis. “In Ohio, the HOME of aviation we are the BEST at making historic innovations with flying machines, and we will NEVER stop leading the way!”

Drone-in-a-Box and Operational Focus

The program relies on drone-in-a-box systems. These systems allow a drone to launch from a fixed docking site and fly remotely to an incident scene. Pre-positioned drones can deliver real-time video to decision-makers and, in some cases, drop critical medical supplies.

State leaders emphasized that the pilot is focused on readiness and accountability. Standardized training, coordinated operations, and responsible use are core elements. Community engagement and transparency are also key priorities.

“This program is about thoughtful implementation, not experimentation,” said Richard Fox, Director of the DriveOhio UAS Center. “By coordinating procurement, training, and regulatory support at the state level, Ohio is creating a scalable model that benefits communities of every size. We’re grateful for the confidence the legislature has in ODOT to execute this groundbreaking program.”

SkyfireAI’s Role and Next Steps

As program manager, SkyfireAI is working with ODOT, DriveOhio, and participating agencies to support consistent standards and smooth deployment.

“The selection of these nine agencies reflects the strength of Ohio’s public safety community and the seriousness with which this program has been approached,” said Don Mathis. “This pilot lays the foundation for how states can responsibly scale DFR programs today — and prepare for future capabilities as technology continues to evolve.”

Onboarding for selected agencies is set to begin in early 2026. The process will include vendor demonstrations, training, and program coordination. Flight operations are expected to start in spring 2026 and continue for about one year. The state plans to evaluate operational performance, response outcomes, and options for future expansion.

Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Pilot Program has already attracted national attention. State officials say it may serve as a model for other states looking to modernize emergency response while maintaining strong governance, safety standards, and public trust.

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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

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