Drone service provider Flying Lion has marked an impressive milestone in public safety innovation. By the end of 2024, the organization completed 55,773 Drone as First Responder (DFR) flights, with over 35,000 conducted Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). These flights form part of a growing national effort to enhance emergency response and community safety.
DFR programs launch drones immediately after a 911 call, providing real-time aerial views of unfolding incidents before ground units arrive. This capability improves situational awareness, aiding first responders and potentially saving lives. The concept, pioneered by the Chula Vista Police Department in 2018, has now expanded to over 30 communities across the US. Drones arrive on-scene 74% of the time before ground units, underscoring their critical role in emergency response.
“DFR programs save lives!” says Charles Werner, founder of DRONERESPONDERS. “Flying Lion is a true leader in the DFR space, advocating for national adoption and supporting individual communities in developing these lifesaving programs.”
Flying Lion collaborates with top-tier DFR vendors, including DJI, Skydio, Axon Air, Hextronics, and AirData UAV, to provide comprehensive support for these programs. Their services include FAA regulatory consulting for BVLOS approvals, tailored DFR tactics training, and equipment leasing. They also specialize in drone dock installation and maintenance, ensuring programs are ready to operate at peak efficiency.
Barry Brennan, Flying Lion’s president and founder, expresses optimism for the future. “We expect DFR programs will more than double in 2025. These programs are keeping community members, first responders, and even suspects safer every day.”
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