Ohio plans to deploy drones as first responders in statewide pilot program
Officials in Ohio are closer to launching a pilot program that would deploy drones to act as first responders in emergency situations.
On February 10, DriveOhio announced that the following agencies have been selected to participate in the Ohio Statewide Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program, which is set to begin in Spring 2026 and continue for approximately a year:
- City of Springfield Police/Fire/EMS
- Athens Police Department
- Lima Police Department
- Toledo Police Department
- Violet Township Fire/EMS
- Austintown Fire Department
- City of Hamilton Police/Fire/EMS
- Amherst Police Department
- Kelleys Island Fire/EMS
As part of the program, agencies will be able to launch drones from a stationary position and fly them to the scene of an emergency. The drones will be able to provide law enforcement with real-time video or even drop emergency medical supplies.
Officials say that the drone program could “improve situational awareness, enhance officer and responder safety, and reduce emergency response times.”
DriveOhio says that if the pilot is successful, it could be used by other law enforcement agencies across the country. “Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Pilot Program has already drawn national attention as a potential blueprint for other states seeking to modernize emergency response while maintaining strong governance, safety, and public trust,” the agency said.
“Ohio is committed to giving our first responders the tools they need to protect lives and serve their communities safely and effectively,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “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.”
“Ohio is leading the way for the nation with the first statewide DFR program! Our ODOT leaders are setting the stage for an integrated network of DFR assets that will undoubtedly save lives and resources and be a force-multiplier for our undermanned first responder organizations,” said State Representative Bernard Willis, Chair of the House Transportation Committee. “In Ohio, the HOME of aviation we are the BEST at making historic innovations with flying machines, and we will NEVER stop leading the way!”