If we haven’t met yet, I’m Wayne Baker - but most folks call me “Chief.”
Before joining DJI in 2019, I spent decades in the fire service, where I saw firsthand how drones could revolutionise emergency response and save lives. When I hung up my fire chief helmet, I found a new calling at DJI – one that keeps me connected to my passion for service while introducing me to some of the most inspiring pioneers in the drone industry.
From bustling cityscapes to rural farmland, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with industry leaders, first responders, farmers, educators, and everyday drone operators who are pushing the limits of what’s possible. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the best stories happen on the road.
That’s exactly why I started On The Road – a DJI YouTube series where I take you behind the scenes to hear from the innovators transforming industries and communities through drone technology. As we have just kicked off production for Season Two, I can’t help but reflect on some of the most memorable conversations in our last season. Each episode has been a new discovery – raw, insightful, and sometimes downright eye-opening.
Here are some standout moments from the journey so far:
1. How Drones are Changing Public Safety – with Luis Figueiredo
I’ve known Luis Figueiredo for years, and if there’s one thing I can say about him – it’s that he’s a true pioneer in public safety drone operations. As the driving force behind the Elizabeth Police Department’s drone unit, he has been at the forefront of integrating drones into law enforcement.
One of the most fascinating stories he shared was about a massive ship fire at the Port of Newark. Using a drone equipped with a thermal camera, his team was able to track the fire’s progression from outside, identifying critical heat signatures and estimating interior temperatures – all without putting firefighters at unnecessary risk.
Our conversation also touched on legislation affecting drone programs in the U.S. and the future of drone adoption in public safety. If you’re interested in how drones are keeping communities safer, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
2. Breaking Records in Agriculture – with Russell Hedrick
Farming isn’t what it used to be, and Russell Hedrick is living proof of that. As a first-generation farmer from Hickory, North Carolina, Russell has embraced technology to take his operations to the next level.
By integrating drones, precision agriculture, and real-time kinematics (RTK), he has doubled county-average crop yields and even set a state record for soybean yield in 2021. In 2022, he went a step further, breaking the world record for dryland corn yield.
Hearing how drones have transformed his farm was incredible – this technology isn’t just making farming easier, it’s making it more efficient, sustainable, and profitable.
3. “I’d Give You My Handcuffs Before I Give Up My Drone” – with Lt. Travis Cook
Lieutenant Travis Cook of the Hardin County Sheriff's Office doesn’t hold back when he talks about how critical drones have become in law enforcement: “I can honestly say, looking back now, I would without a doubt give you my handcuffs and gun before I’d give you that Matrice.” That says it all.
Drones have transformed law enforcement, helping officers track suspects, locate missing persons, and de-escalate dangerous situations – all while keeping personnel out of harm’s way. It’s always eye-opening to hear just how much of a difference this technology is making, and Travis had some amazing stories to share.
4. Battling Wildfires from Above – with Chief Mike Hacke & Captain Simon So
California is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world – but for fire departments, that beauty comes with an all-too-familiar danger: wildfires.
I sat down with Fire Chief Mike Hacke and Captain Simon So of the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department to discuss how their team is using drones to improve emergency response and protect communities. From fire mapping to search and rescue, drones are giving firefighters critical real-time data, allowing them to make better decisions and reduce the risks to their crews. For those in public safety, this episode is a must-watch.
5. Inspiring the Next Generation – with Dr. La’Quata Sumter
Drones aren’t just changing industries – they’re shaping the future. And few people are doing more to empower the next generation than Dr. La’Quata Sumter, Founder and CEO of STEAM Thru Drones.
When I travelled to Las Vegas to meet with Dr. Sumter, I was blown away by her passion for using drones to bring STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education to life. Through her nonprofit, she’s introducing students to drone technology and showing them how these skills can open doors to careers in tech, aviation, and engineering.
As someone who’s passionate about education, this episode really hit home. The next generation won’t just be flying drones – they’ll be building, innovating, and redefining what’s possible.
6. From Patrol Cars to Pipelines – with Clint Johnson
Clint Johnson’s drone journey started with a mission: keep people safe. From launching the drone program at the Kilgore Police Department for public safety missions to now leading operations at Integrated Aerial Solutions, Clint has seen firsthand how powerful this technology can be.
When I caught up with him in Tyler, Texas, Clint showed me how drones are now keeping entire communities safer – scanning thousands of miles of oil and gas pipelines to detect leaks and prevent potential explosions. But it doesn’t stop there. These same tools are also helping oil and gas companies meet their decarbonization targets. This episode really opened my eyes to how drones aren’t just supporting critical operations, they’re shaping a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future for entire industries.
7. “One of the Best Pieces of Firefighting Gear You Can Put Your Hands On” - with Tom Dowling
Tom Dowling helped pioneer drone use at one of the busiest fire departments in the world: the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). After 40 years in public safety, including as Deputy Chief Information Officer, he may now be retired, but he’s still flying drones and championing innovation.
Tom helped set up FDNY’s first robotics team, integrating drones to enhance firefighter safety and improve emergency response. For him, taking drones away would be like taking away the HURST Jaws of Life.
But he also spoke about something bigger: the need for the U.S. to invest in STEM education and stay at the forefront of drone innovation. Because in this field, lives - and leadership - are on the line.
My conversation with Tom was a powerful reminder that investing in drone technology isn’t just about better tools, it’s also about building the next generation of innovators, leaders and problem-solvers.
What’s Next?
Over the next few weeks, I will once again be back on the road to meet with inspiring individuals who are pushing the limits of what drones can do.
If you love drones, innovation, and a good road trip story, make sure to catch me On The Road. Stay tuned for Season Two! And if you’ve got a drone story to share, reach out – I just might see you down the road.
Watch On The Road Season One now on DJI’s YouTube Channel.
