By FireRescue1 Staff
ATLANTA — Skyfire Consulting, a public safety UAS consulting group, has announced its collaboration with the Fremont Police and Fire Departments to launch a joint Drone First Responder (DFR) program in the United States, according to a press release.
The Fremont DFR program, approved by the Fremont City Council on February 13, 2024, 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.
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.
“We’re proud to work with Skyfire to launch this groundbreaking DFR program,” Fremont Fire Department Chief Jeff Kleven said. “This program has the potential to save lives and make our community safer, and Skyfire’s expertise has been invaluable in getting us to this point.”
“Skyfire is honored to support Fremont in launching this historic DFR program,” said Matt Sloane, Skyfire founder and CEO. “Our team’s deep experience and commitment to public safety were instrumental in bringing this program to life, and we are confident it will serve the Fremont community well.”