First In The Nation Drone Program Approved In Fremont

FREMONT, CA — The Fremont City Council approved the nation's first joint public safety Drone as First Responder Program at last week's meeting, with both the police and fire departments utilizing the advanced technology.

The DFR program uses drones launched from a fixed location to rapidly respond to public safety situations. The goal is for the drone to arrive on-scene ahead of police officers and firefighters. The drone then scans and evaluates the situation remotely, relaying information to responding public safety personnel and those in command of the incident.

The live-stream video from the drone is also directly available to the responders and commanders, providing a real-time tool to determine the best tactics and resources for each situation.

For police, it will aid decision-making and provide insight for de-escalation, if possible.

Firefighters will be able to observe fire behavior, identify threats during structure or wildland fires, map fires, oversee hazardous material situations and identify potential rescues.

The City reports that the new program was first explored through a pilot program from Nov. 2022 through Jan. 2023 by the Fremont Police Department and Fremont Fire Department. The drones were found to be a valuable tool that can reduce overall response times, and enhance the safety of both the public and first responders.

The Washington Hospital Healthcare System has joined the City's partnership. Later this month, the DFR Program will begin to launch drones from the rooftop of a WHHS building on Mowry Avenue. The central location allows the drones to respond to public safety calls for service throughout the community.

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