Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time

In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks with Philip Miller, Medicolegal Death Investigator at the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. They discuss the pioneering use of drones in medicolegal death investigations, how aerial mapping drastically cuts scene processing time, enhances team safety, and improves interagency collaboration, as well as the importance of community engagement to demystify drone operations.

In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod sits down with Chris Baker, Drone and Robotics Coordinator for the City of Oswego, New York. They explore how Oswego consolidated its public safety drone operations under the municipal IT department, the practical advantages of deploying Drone as a First Responder (DFR) in tight-knit, smaller communities, and key strategies for building political and public support.

In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod sits down with Matt Rowland, a retired 21-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department and Administrator of its Air Support Unit. They discuss the tactical evolution of public safety drone operations—from physical HDMI cords in 2017 to citywide public safety drone deployments, AI integrations, and proactive community engagement.

In part two of this conversation on DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod sits down with Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department RED Team. They dive deep into practical pilot proficiency strategies, navigating complex foreign-drone legislation, innovative program funding through leasing, and building deep community trust through absolute operational transparency.

In Part 2 of this deep dive, Elsa Klarich, Aviation Director at Light and Earth, LCC returns to discuss the critical intersection of elite pilot training, public safety, and drone fleet management. Drawing from her intense background as an East African bush pilot, Elsa breaks down how to build an unyielding "safety always" culture, the reality of managing complex communication in shared airspaces, and why treating a drone with the full responsibility of a manned aircraft is the only path forward for lifesaving operations.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Elsa Klarich, a pioneering figure in aviation and drone technology, shares how uncrewed systems are transforming global relief work and humanitarian missions. Drawing from her experience as a bush pilot in East Africa and a UAS operator in high-stakes environments, Elsa breaks down the critical regulatory hurdles facing civil aviation authorities, the reality of quick-launch logistics, and why thinking five years ahead is essential to building a safe drone ecosystem.

In this special "From the Archives" re-release of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department's Robotics Emergency Deployment (RED) Team, originally recorded on January 2, 2024, he discussed the foundational principles of how drones enhance public safety, make firefighters' jobs easier and safer, the ongoing challenges of integrating drones into fire departments, and early predictions regarding the future of augmented reality and autonomous launching that remain deeply relevant today.

In Part 2 of this deep-dive conversation, UAS instructor and tactical operations expert David Naranjo continues his discussion on DroneCast to explore the friction between advanced drone capabilities and community expectations. From breaking down advanced tactical maneuvers like the "360-degree punch clear" to addressing the massive wave of AI integration on the horizon , this episode provides a realistic roadmap for agencies looking to scale their fleets responsibly without losing public trust.

In Part 1 of this insightful conversation, David Naranjo, a seasoned DFR pilot with the Chula Vista Police Department, shares how drone technology is slashing response times to under a minute and providing the critical "ground truth" needed to de-escalate high-stakes encounters and protect both officers and the community.

In Part 2 of this deep dive, Kevin Raber joins Joe Kearns to explore the transition from tactical military drone operations to high-stakes civilian applications. From the "checklist culture" of special operations to the revolutionary potential of Part 108, this episode breaks down how the industry is moving beyond visual line-of-sight to unlock true commercial and public safety scalability. Kevin shares how drones provided life-saving reconnaissance in the wake of hurricanes in North Carolina and why the next frontier of innovation lies in communication infrastructure rather than just the hardware itself.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Kevin Raber discussed the unconventional origins of modern drone programs. From being handed 500 drones in Turkey to standing up programs in Syria and Ukraine, Kevin shares how a military intelligence background is reshaping the civilian drone industry. This episode explores why the "deliverable" is more important than the flight and how civilian technology is now outpacing government innovation.

In Part 2 of this deep dive, David Lewin of Echodyne returns to discuss the high-stakes evolution of airspace security with Joe Kearns. From the chilling reality of cartel-led drone deliveries to the technical marvels of "fine-tooth comb" radar, this episode explores the legislation and technology required to secure the smart cities of tomorrow.

In Part 1 of this conversation, David Lewin of Echodyne joins Joe Kearns to discuss the critical intersection of drone technology and airspace security. As traditional security focuses on "hardening the fence," David explains why the industry must now "look up" to protect critical infrastructure from emerging aerial threats. This episode explores how radar and drone detection serve as the essential foundation for the future of "drones for good".

In Part 2 of this episode, the conversation shifts from early proof-of-concept moments to the broader ecosystem that now surrounds public safety drone programs. Joe Kearns shares powerful examples from recent disaster response operations, including a hurricane response in Asheville where drones were used not only to locate trapped victims but also to deliver food, water, and medicine to people cut off from rescue teams. Beyond the technology itself, the discussion explores the training systems, standards, and leadership required to scale drone programs responsibly. As drones become more embedded in emergency response, the conversation is no longer about whether they belong in public safety, but how agencies prepare the next generation of operators to use them effectively.

In Part 1 of this episode, Chief Wayne Baker walks through the early incidents that defined the role of drones in public safety. This is not a conversation about equipment specs or flight times. It is about real calls. A rare flood that turned a creek into a river. A wildfire that concealed a second advancing head. Moments where visibility meant the difference between reaction and prevention. Chief Baker shares how those experiences shifted the mindset inside agencies. What began as curiosity around drones became a recognition that aerial intelligence fundamentally changes command decisions. The question is no longer whether drones are useful. It is how agencies operate without them.

In this episode, Jeff Alexy, robotics program manager and chief drone pilot for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, explains how drones are fundamentally changing fire response, search and rescue, and situational awareness. From resolving homeless cooking fires without deploying million‑dollar fire apparatus to locating lost hikers at night using thermal imaging to working with the FAA on a first‑of‑its‑kind 24/7 aerial surveillance platform, Jeff outlines what modern public safety response looks like when drones are treated as core infrastructure. [This episode was recorded on May 20, 2025. Some references may reflect information available at that time.]

In this episode, Curt Lary breaks down the difference between true drone autonomy and remotely operated systems in public safety environments. He explains why battery swapping, automated pre-flight inspections, and uncompromising reliability are essential for Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) programs, especially when responding to 911 calls where uptime and readiness directly impact outcomes.

In Part 2 of this DroneCast conversation, we continue our discussion with Christopher Robertson, diving deeper into the realities of building and sustaining public safety drone programs. From chasing grant funding and operating cutting-edge aircraft like the Dragonfish, to addressing public perception, regulatory hurdles, and the rise of Drones as First Responders (DFR), Chris offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to move UAS programs forward. This episode explores not just technology—but trust, funding, leadership, and the future of drone integration in public safety.

In this compelling 2-part episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns III sits down with Christopher Robertson to explore how drones have transformed public safety operations—from law enforcement to high-risk search and rescue. Drawing from real-world deployments, Chris shares how drones have been used as tactical distractions during SWAT apprehensions, critical intelligence tools during cliff rescues, and why hands-on training is essential as drones become embedded in shared airspace. This episode offers a candid look at how experience, innovation, and aviation discipline intersect to make drone programs safer and more effective.

In this eye-opening episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Michael Hill, a trailblazer in drone technology and public safety, to discuss the transformative impact drones are having on emergency response. From his early days with a toy Batman drone to becoming a certified UAV pilot in three countries, Michael offers invaluable insights into the integration of drones in search and rescue operations, the obstacles facing public safety departments, and the future of unmanned aerial systems. Learn how emerging technologies like AI and autonomous flight are revolutionizing emergency response and hear practical advice for departments aiming to establish their own drone programs. This episode is a must-listen for first responders, drone enthusiasts, and public safety professionals looking to understand the powerful role drones are playing in saving lives and reshaping emergency services.

In this release of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with DJ Smith — recently retired from the Virginia State Police after 31 years of service and now part of Amazon Global’s SPEAR STT organization. A national leader in counter-drone operations, DJ reflects on his decades in technical surveillance and how his expertise continues to shape CUAS innovation and airspace security in the private sector. He discusses the urgent need for smarter drone legislation, the growing threat of unauthorized drone activity, and how innovation continues to safeguard the skies — and those who serve beneath them.

In this Veterans Day release of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with DJ Smith — recently retired from the Virginia State Police after 31 years of service and now part of Amazon Global’s SPEAR STT organization. A national leader in counter-drone operations, DJ reflects on his decades in technical surveillance and how his expertise continues to shape CUAS innovation and airspace security in the private sector. He discusses the urgent need for smarter drone legislation, the growing threat of unauthorized drone activity, and how innovation continues to safeguard the skies — and those who serve beneath them.

In Part 2 of this DroneCast conversation, host Joe Kearns continues his discussion with Matt Sloane, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Skyfire AI, to explore what Drone as First Responder (DFR) at scale truly means in the wake of the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule. They examine how multi-agency collaboration, smarter cost-sharing, and advanced training infrastructures, such as Skyfire’s new 2,200-acre facility in Huntsville, Alabama, will accelerate adoption. Matt and Joe also address the cultural and technical challenges that prevent DFR programs from getting off the ground, emphasizing practical steps for mid-sized agencies to start small, stay compliant, and scale intelligently.

In Part 1 of this exciting DroneCast conversation, host Joe Kearns sits down with Matt Sloane, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Skyfire AI, to unpack the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule, a comprehensive framework for routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Matt explains how this proposal could reshape drone regulations across public safety, commercial, and defense sectors, from standardizing BVLOS approvals to encouraging autonomy and organizational accountability. This episode sets the stage for what’s to come in Part 2, where Matt and Joe will go even deeper into the implications of autonomy, AI integration, and the evolution of DFR (Drone as First Responder) programs as Part 108 moves toward finalization.

In Part 2 of this DroneCast conversation, Joe Kearns continues his discussion with David Spraggs, former bomb squad commander and current Manager of Customer Success at DroneSense. Building on Part 1, David dives deeper into practical strategies for launching and scaling public safety drone programs—covering communication, interagency collaboration, and the future of Drone as First Responder (DFR) initiatives. This episode offers a roadmap for agencies seeking to move beyond adoption into sustainable, mission-driven growth.

In Part 2 of this DroneCast conversation, Joe Kearns sits down with Randall Warnas, CEO of Anzu Robotics, to explore the realities of building a trusted American drone company. Randall shares how Anzu is tackling the challenge of earning public safety trust, balancing innovation with regulatory pressures, and building a sustainable market presence amid intense geopolitical dynamics. This episode delivers candid insights for anyone invested in the future of U.S. drone manufacturing.

In Part 1 of this special two-part DroneCast conversation, host Joe Kearns sits down with David Spraggs, former bomb squad commander and current Manager of Customer Success at DroneSense, to explore his pioneering work bringing drones into law enforcement. From his first exposure to a $150,000 UAS in 2014 to building Boulder PD’s drone program from the ground up, David reveals how drones moved from “nice-to-have gadgets” to mission-critical tools in public safety. He shares lessons on community trust, funding, documentation, and cross-agency collaboration that remain essential for agencies building or scaling their own programs today. Stay tuned for Part 2, where David continues his journey and dives deeper into advanced applications and lessons learned.

In this episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Randall Warnas, CEO of Anzu Robotics, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of American drone manufacturing. Randall shares how Anzu bridges the gap between Chinese and domestic drone solutions, tackles complex geopolitical and cybersecurity challenges, and builds trust in a DJI-dominated market. This candid conversation delivers strategic insights for anyone invested in the future of secure, US-based drone technology.

In this episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Brandon Karr, co-founder of Unmanned Tactical Group and a trailblazer in UAS operations for public safety. Brandon shares his journey building one of the nation’s first Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs, how he secured the first-ever BVLOS waiver for public safety, and offers actionable insights for agencies looking to launch or expand drone programs.

In Part 2 of this impactful DroneCast conversation, host Joe Kearns continues the discussion with Greg Reverdiau, co-founder of the Pilot Institute, diving deeper into the human side of public safety drone operations. Greg unpacks the importance of building a proactive safety culture, training for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, and preparing teams for the integration of advanced sensors and future technologies. This episode equips public safety drone leaders with strategies to foster resilience, decision-making under pressure, and long-term program success in an evolving regulatory landscape.

In Part 1 of this eye-opening DroneCast conversation, host Joe Kearns sits down with Greg Reverdiau, co-founder of the Pilot Institute and veteran aviation expert, to explore the future of drone training in public safety. Moving beyond basic Part 107 certification, Greg shares practical insights into building confident, capable drone teams through structured programs, NIST-based proficiency standards, and scenario-based learning. Whether you're starting a program or refining existing training, this episode offers actionable guidance to raise your team's readiness and performance.

In this engaging episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Bobby Jason Mullinax of Frontier Precision Unmanned to explore how drone technology is transforming crash reconstruction and investigative operations in law enforcement. With over 15 years of public safety experience, Bobby Jason Mullinax shares practical approaches for drone integration, overcoming misconceptions, and establishing evidentiary credibility. Whether you're building a new program or enhancing an existing one, this episode offers strategic insights to elevate drone use in public safety.

In this insightful episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Jason Cokinos of the Montgomery County Police Department to explore the challenges and innovations of using drones as first responders in one of the nation’s most complex restricted airspaces near Washington, DC. They discuss how the department navigates regulatory hurdles, builds essential partnerships with federal agencies, and transitions to secure drone technologies—all while developing robust training programs and operational protocols. This episode offers practical guidance for public safety agencies aiming to launch or scale drone-as-first-responder programs under demanding conditions.

In this powerful episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Jason Cokinos of Montgomery County Police Department to discuss how drones are transforming public safety in real time. From reducing response times to under two minutes to helping prevent the use of deadly force, this conversation highlights how innovative drone programs are reshaping traditional law enforcement. Jason shares firsthand success stories—including a high-stakes hostage situation resolved through drone surveillance—and outlines the strategies behind their Drone as First Responder model. Whether you're managing a drone program or exploring ways to modernize emergency response, this episode offers practical insights into using drone technology to enhance safety, transparency, and effectiveness in the field.

Join host Joe Kearns as he sits down with Amelia Frasure, Solutions Engineer at Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight. Amelia, formerly the UAS Program Manager for the Greenville Police Department and an instructor at the Public Safety UAS Institute, shares expert insights on building and managing effective drone programs in public safety. In this episode, Frasure discusses program development, team training, and overcoming operational challenges in law enforcement drone operations. The conversation also covers practical strategies for securing funding, ensuring compliance, and maintaining operational excellence. Whether you’re launching a new UAS program or optimizing an existing one, this episode offers valuable insights for public safety professionals, drone program managers, and law enforcement leaders looking to maximize the impact of unmanned aircraft technology.

Join hosts John McLeod and Joe Kearns as they reflect on a milestone year for DroneCast, highlighting the evolution of the podcast and the public safety drone landscape. From its humble beginnings to reaching tens of thousands of listeners, this special mini-episode revisits key conversations that have shaped the way agencies approach drone operations. One year of stories, shared struggles, and breakthrough insights from agencies worldwide shaping the future of drone-powered public safety. John and Joe discuss how drone programs have grown from isolated initiatives to integrated, community-wide solutions—fueled by cross-agency collaboration, evolving technology, and a shared commitment to innovation. Whether you're a drone operator, program manager, or policymaker, this episode offers valuable takeaways on the past, present, and future of drones in public safety.

Join host Joe Kearns as he sits down with Charles Werner, Aviation Technology Adviser for the Virginia Department of Aviation, Director of Drone Responders, and an experienced storm chaser. With over four decades of experience in emergency services, aviation, and severe weather response, Charles shares groundbreaking insights into the FAA’s recent regulatory changes that are transforming public safety drone operations. In this episode, Werner discusses the streamlined DFR COA process, the rapid shift from 11-month to one-week drone program approvals, and how simplified regulations are helping agencies launch and scale their UAS programs faster. Whether you’re a public safety professional, drone program manager, or policymaker, this episode offers vital updates, practical strategies, and a forward-looking perspective on the future of public safety drone operations.

In part two of this Dronecast episode, host Joe Kearns continues his conversation with Rich Gatanis, UAS Coordinator at Southern Manatee Fire Rescue. They discuss Florida's drone legislation challenges, the formation of FLOGR (Florida Public Safety UAS Coordination Group), and the future of robotics in public safety, including emerging technologies and integration strategies.

In this episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Rich Gatanis, UAS Coordinator at Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, to explore how drones are transforming hazardous materials (hazmat) operations. Rich shares how his team transitioned from traditional methods to drone-based solutions for safer and more effective emergency response—paving the way for national best practices in hazmat drone usage.

In part 2 of this DroneCast episode, host Joe Kearns continues his conversation with Jack Wu, exploring Nightingale Security's approach to emergency response infrastructure, autonomous operations, and the future of integrated public safety systems. Jack shares insights on system resilience, inter-platform communication, and his vision for the evolution of emergency response technology.

In part 1 of this DroneCast episode, host Joe Kearns speaks with Jack Wu, co-founder and CEO of Nightingale Security. They discuss Nightingale's focused approach to drone design, the challenges of urban drone operations, and why simplicity in design leads to reliability in the field. Jack shares insights on their Blackbird platform and explains why specialization in drone design is crucial for operational success.

In this second part of our conversation with Adam Bilmes, CEO of Inspired Flight, we discuss the exciting advancements in domestic drone manufacturing, navigating regulatory challenges, and the importance of reliability in drone technology. Adam shares insights on emerging trends, including connectivity options and the future of autonomous drones, while showcasing real-world applications in public safety. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the evolving landscape of drone technology!

In this episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kerns is joined by Adam Bilmes, cofounder, and business development manager at Inspired Flight, to discuss his unexpected journey from sous chef to drone industry innovator, the challenges of building American-made technology in a competitive global market, and the importance of customer feedback in driving innovation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about redefining domestic drone manufacturing and the future of the U.S. drone industry.

In this episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns speaks with Lee Newman, a 27-year veteran of the London Fire Brigade and current drone project lead. They discuss Lee's journey from traditional firefighting to pioneering drone integration, his experiences following the Grenfell Tower fire, and his vision for the future of emergency drone operations in the UK, including the development of UK AERO (United Kingdom Emergency Robotics Responders Organisation).

In part two of our Dronecast conversation, host Joe Kearns continues his discussion with Jon McBride, exploring critical challenges in the drone industry including manufacturing dependencies, regulatory considerations, and program implementation. Jon shares his vision for the future of drone integration in public safety and offers insights into building successful drone programs.

In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host Joe Kearns speaks with Jon McBride, a veteran drone industry pioneer and chairman of the droning company. They discuss Jon's journey from RC enthusiast to Marine Corps instructor to drone technology innovator, exploring the evolution of drone technology and the development of modern training standards.

In this episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns speaks with Ryan Bracken, Chief Product Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at DroneSense. They discuss DroneSense's newest product launch, OpsHub Mobile, its impact on public safety operations, and the future of unmanned aviation. Ryan shares insights on how the application streamlines drone operations and enhances situational awareness for public safety practitioners.

In this landmark episode of Dronecast, Matt Rybar, Vice President of Special Projects at Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT), shares expert insights on drone program development, DFR implementation, and the future of public safety UAS operations.

In the second part of the DroneCast episode, host Joe Kearns continues his conversation with Coitt Kessler, exploring the impact of drones in different firefighting scenarios, the challenges and limitations of current technology, and the future of drone use in emergency response.

In this first part of the DroneCast episode, host Joe Kearns speaks with Coitt Kessler, a veteran firefighter and Customer Success Manager at DroneSense. They discuss the evolution of drone technology in firefighting, the challenges of implementing drone programs, and the multifaceted applications of drones in public safety.