What to know about first-responder safety drones coming to Hamilton, Springfield

The other seven agencies selected to participate in the pilot program are:

ODOT said that together, “these agencies represent a diverse cross-section of Ohio, spanning urban centers, suburban communities, and rural jurisdictions —reinforcing the program’s goal of ensuring access to advanced emergency response capabilities statewide.”

Many of the selected agencies have also committed to sharing drone resources with neighboring jurisdictions, further expanding the impact of this program, ODOT said.

The program is receiving management support from SkyfireAI, a national leader in public safety drone program development and FAA regulatory integration.

“Ohio is committed to giving our first responders the tools they need to protect lives and serve their communities safely and effectively,” Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement. “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.”

Created under Ohio House Bill 96, the Ohio Statewide DFR Pilot Program allows selected agencies to use state‑approved drones that meet national security standards. These drones can launch quickly, stream live video to command staff, and connect with Ohio’s new drone traffic management system run by Beavercreek-based CAL Analytics, according to ODOT.

State Rep. Bernard Willis (R-Springfield), who serves as chair of the House Transportation Committee, said Ohio is “leading the way” with the program, the first statewide DFR program in the nation.

With technology known as drone-in-a-box, a drone can be launched from a permanent docking site and be flown remotely to a scene, ODOT said.

“These pre-positioned drones provide real-time visual information to aid decision-making, and some can also drop critical medical supplies to the scene of an emergency,” ODOT said. “The program emphasizes operational readiness, standardized training, and responsible use, while maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and transparency.”

Selected agencies will participate in a structured onboarding process beginning in early 2026, including hands-on vendor demonstrations, training and program coordination.

Operations are expected to begin this spring and continue for approximately a year. The pilot program will evaluate operational effectiveness, response outcomes, and opportunities for future expansion.

Hamilton Police Department Assistant Police Chief Brian Robinson said the drone program is “fundamentally a matter of public safety.”

“Having drone footage available to Police, Fire, and EMS gives our responders critical information sooner, often before they even arrive on scene,” Robinson told this news outlet. “When seconds count, the Drone as First Responder program is a vital tool.”

He said it helps HPD manage emergencies more safely and effectively, increasing the chances of a successful outcome.

“Additionally, that bird’s-eye view provides valuable context that personnel on the ground simply cannot ascertain from their vantage point,” Robinson said.

Hamilton Police Department has used two unmanned aerial systems in the past couple of years for specialized tasks, Robinson said. Those drones are carried in patrol cars and deployed on-site by licensed officers. The new DFR units, however, can launch immediately when a service call comes in.

“This capability will allow the department to cover a much wider geographic area in a fraction of the time it takes a patrol vehicle to navigate traffic,” he said. “By arriving on the scene first, these drones can transmit vital, high-definition video feeds to observers and responding officers, drastically improving situational awareness and decision-making during critical incidents.”

Robinson said the program ”directly supports our mission to provide exceptional police service by equipping our responders with the best tools available to protect our community.

Springfield Assistant City Manager Tom Franzen said the city’s selection into the program reinforces its growing role as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility and emerging aviation technology in Ohio.

“The DFR program brings cutting-edge emergency response capability to our community, helping our first responders improve situational awareness, reduce response times and strengthen public safety outcomes,” Franzen told this news outlet. “Springfield’s participation aligns directly with our community’s continued focus on AAM (advanced air mobility) and aviation innovation, building on the work already underway at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport and the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence.”