Welcome to Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, a podcast by DroneSense. Hosted by John McLeod, DroneSense’s very own Director of Customer Success, we explore real-world applications of drones in emergency response, offering a close examination of evolving trends in drone technology and its impact on public safety.
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 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 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 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.
In this special mini-episode of DroneCast, host John McLeod introduces Joe Kearns as the new co-host. They discuss Joe's background in the UAS industry, his role at DroneSense, and his vision for future episodes of DroneCast.
In part 2 of this DroneCast episode, host John McLeod continues his conversation with Chris Lester, Division Chief at Austin-Travis County EMS. They discuss the challenges of implementing drone programs in public safety, including interagency collaboration, budgeting, policy considerations, and future technological advancements in the field.
In this episode of DroneCast, host John McLeod speaks with Chris Lester, Division Chief at Austin-Travis County EMS and UAS Program Administrator. They discuss Chris's journey in emergency medical services, the integration of drone technology in EMS operations, and innovative uses of drones in public safety and community health initiatives.
In this part of the DroneCast episode, host John McLeod continues his conversation with Michael Lighthiser, Deputy Chief of Police for George Mason University. They discuss the use of drones in VIP protection, advice for starting drone programs, legislative challenges, and community engagement strategies.
In this episode of DroneCast, host John McLeod speaks with Michael Lighthiser, the Deputy Chief of Police for George Mason University and co-chair of the Threat Assessment Team. They discuss GMU's public safety drone program, its origins, and how it has evolved to support both law enforcement and educational initiatives on campus.
In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks with Jack Venables, an expert in counter-drone operations. They discuss the integration of cutting-edge counter-drone measures within public safety, the challenges of rapidly evolving technology, and the importance of collaboration in ensuring airspace security.
In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks with Lieutenant Taylor Wade, UAS Program Manager for Lake Travis Fire Rescue's Technology Aiding Command (TAC) team. They discuss the evolution of Lake Travis Fire Rescue's drone program, its current state, and the various applications of drones in firefighting and public safety.
In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks to Matt Rybar, the Vice President of Projects at Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT). They discuss the importance of collaboration with other agencies, dock solutions, and strategies for implementing drone programmes.
In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks to Matt Rybar, the Vice President of Projects at Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT). They discuss the evolution of drone programs in public safety, the importance of public trust, and the potential of DFR programs to enhance emergency response.
In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks to Charles Werner, the Aviation Technologies Advisor for the Virginia Dept. of Aviation. They discuss starting a drone program, the potential of artificial intelligence and swarm technology, and the need for standardized training and certification programs.
In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks to Philip Miller, Medicolegal Death Investigator in the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. They dive into how Philip's office is pioneering the use of drones in reshaping how death scenes are assessed. Philip also shares the vital work of a medicolegal death investigator, the benefits of using drones in his work, and insights on launching a drone program.
In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks to Chris Baker, Systems Administrator and Drone & Robotics Coordinator for the City of Oswego. They discuss Oswego's drone program, why small cities are perfect for Drone First Responders, and how he maintains relationships with stakeholders to keep the program running.
In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks to Matt Rowland, Air Support Unit sUAS Pilot for the Fort Wayne Police Department. They discuss the reality of starting a drone first responder program, what it was like to run drones for President Trump in 2018, and how to make the right decisions when building a program from the ground up.
In part two of this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks to Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department's Robotics Emergency Deployment (RED) Team. They explore how drones are becoming first responders in public safety and the challenges of training and maintaining proficiency in drone operations. hey also delve into the political and data security concerns surrounding drones and the importance of building trust with the community.
In part one of this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks to Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department's Robotics Emergency Deployment (RED) Team. They discuss how drones can enhance public safety, make firefighters' jobs easier and safer, the challenges of integrating drones into fire departments, and the future potential of augmented reality and autonomous launching.
In a world marked by an array of challenges, such as natural disasters and unforeseen crises, our public safety personnel need more support than ever before. Enter: Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, the new podcast exploring the real-world applications of drones in emergency response
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