By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Ohio selected nine public safety agencies to participate in a statewide Drone First Responder pilot program intended to expand rapid aerial response capabilities.
• The initiative will equip agencies with drone systems capable of quick launch and real-time video streaming integrated into the state’s uncrewed aircraft traffic management framework.
• The pilot is led by the Ohio Department of Transportation’s DriveOhio with support from SkyfireAI and created under House Bill 96.
• Participating agencies span police, fire and EMS units from urban and rural communities across Ohio.
• Operations are expected to begin in spring 2026 and run about a year to inform potential future expansion.
COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio officials announced the selection of nine public safety agencies to take part in a statewide Drone First Responder pilot program designed to support emergency response with aerial technology.
The initiative will provide participating police, fire and EMS agencies with drone systems that enable rapid deployment, live video streaming and integration into the state’s uncrewed aircraft traffic management system, according to the announcement.
The pilot is led by the Ohio Department of Transportation and its DriveOhio division, with program management support from SkyfireAI, and was established under Ohio House Bill 96.
Selected participants include police, fire and EMS units from communities including Springfield, Athens, Lima, Toledo, Violet Township, Austintown, Hamilton, Amherst and the Village of Kelleys Island.
The technology is intended to improve situational awareness for responders and may allow for delivery of critical supplies; agencies will also receive standardized training and regulatory support as part of the pilot.
Officials expect the drone operations to begin in spring 2026 and continue for about a year, with data from the pilot to guide future assessments of statewide use.