DJI drones are transforming public safety operations by equipping first responders with cutting-edge aerial technology. From search and rescue (SAR) missions to firefighting operations, drones enable faster, safer, and more informed decision-making. Firefighters are leveraging this technology to monitor fire progression, detect hidden threats, and coordinate responses with precision, even in volatile environments. Meanwhile, research highlights the life-saving potential of drones, showing they can reduce search times by over three minutes. Here’s one example of how drones play a key role in protecting and serving communities.
Fire Chief Mike Hacke and Captain Simon So serve in the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department in California. Their team has a dedicated drone program that supports public safety operations and emergency response efforts. In this episode of “On The Road”, Mike and Simon speak to DJI’s Wayne Baker about how drones are crucial to their missions, as well as where they see the future potential for drone use in public safety.
Key takeaways from the interview:
- Drone use in public safety incidents: Chief Hacke highlights how drones have proven indispensable in various scenarios, such as locating a person in distress in the Los Gatos Hills and assisting law enforcement in searching for an armed suspect in challenging terrain. Captain So emphasizes the value of drones in wildfire management, where their aerial perspective allows responders to monitor fire spread and identify favorable containment strategies, making them an essential tool in emergencies.
- On navigating drone regulations: Public safety agencies must comply with specific regulations though they often receive exemptions or waivers from the government. They continue to monitor new technology—such as autonomous flights, docks, and ground stations—and aim to prioritize user-friendly, cost-effective options like DJI, especially given budget constraints.
- On the future of drone technology: Captain So anticipates significant advancements in drone capabilities, including better lenses, payloads, and AI-driven applications. Emerging use cases, like aerial mapping and agronomy for fire detection, showcase the potential for broader adoption. While still evolving, Chief Hacke expects drone technology to play an increasingly critical role in public safety.
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A Note from DJI DJI supports the creation of grant programs that empower greater public safety use of drone technologies, but restricting first responders’ access to the best products in the market - solely based on protectionist politics and unsubstantiated allegations - will only hinder their operations and damage the drone programs they have built and strengthened over time. What is clear is the critical need for public safety agencies to maintain access to the best products available to them. They need to be able to rely on the drone platforms they bring to critical operations. As such, to achieve a secure, competitive and thriving U.S. drone ecosystem, we advocate for:
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For more, watch the full video above or view our series: Get The Facts.
