Expanding Drone Technology Enhances Safety for Communities and First Responders
All images credit Flying Lion, used with permission.
Flying Lion, Inc., a leading drone service provider, has announced a major achievement in Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations. By the end of 2024, the company successfully completed 55,773 DFR flights, with more than 35,000 conducted Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). This milestone makes Flying Lion the first drone service provider to reach this remarkable benchmark.
The Impact of DFR Programs
Drone as First Responder programs deploy drones to emergency scenes immediately after receiving a 911 call. These drones provide real-time aerial situational awareness to support ground units, enhancing safety for first responders and the community. According to Flying Lion, drones arrive on the scene before ground units 74% of the time, significantly improving response efficiency.
The Chula Vista Police Department initiated the first DFR program in 2018. Since then, the concept has expanded to over 30 communities across the United States. These programs are saving lives and transforming emergency response.
“DFR programs save lives!” said Chief Charles Werner, founder of DRONERESPONDERS. “Flying Lion is a true leader in the DFR space, not only advocating for DFR adoption nationally but also working with individual communities to develop their own DFR programs.”
Partnerships and Expansion
Flying Lion collaborates with a variety of industry-leading companies to support and expand DFR programs. Partners include AirData UAV, Airspace Link, Axon Air, AVSS, BRINC Drones, DJI, DroneSense, Flock Aerodome, Hextronics, MatrixSpace, Motorola CAPE, Nokia Drone Networks, Skydio, TruWeather Solutions, uAvionix, and VOTIX.
The company anticipates rapid growth in DFR adoption. “We expect DFR programs will more than double in 2025 – and we’re well positioned to provide the FAA regulatory services for BVLOS approvals along with DFR consulting, DFR Tactics Training, and operational expertise,” said Barry Brennan, President and Founder of Flying Lion. “We’re proud to partner with the leading DFR software and hardware providers who built the enabling technology – these DFR programs are keeping community members, first responders, and even suspects safer every day.”
Comprehensive Support for DFR Programs
Flying Lion offers a full suite of services to help communities implement and sustain DFR programs. These services include FAA regulatory consulting, staffing, training, dock installation and maintenance, and equipment leasing. The company’s commitment to safety and innovation has enabled municipalities of all sizes to benefit from tailored DFR solutions.
About Flying Lion
Founded in 2014, Flying Lion, Inc. specializes in drone operations for law enforcement, public safety agencies, and municipalities. The company has provided on-demand drone air support for over 55,700 missions, making it a trusted name in DFR operations.
For more information, visit Flying Lion, Inc.
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Read more:
- Drone as First Responder, with Airspace Awareness: Flying Lion and Iris Automation Partner
- Nevada Law Restricts Public Safety Agencies from Using DJI Drones, Limits Drone as First Responder Applications
- Montgomery County Secures First Conviction with Drone as First Responder Program: A Milestone in Public Safety
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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