26 June 2024

By David Young and Amelia Frasure

The Public Safety UAS team stands out as a collective of professionals exclusively dedicated to public safety endeavors. We pride ourselves on the mantra that our classes are crafted "For Public Safety Professionals, By Public Safety Professionals." What sets us apart is our diverse team, hailing from various backgrounds, which strengthens our expertise and ensures a comprehensive approach to training.  Many of our instructors are active public safety professionals that work in either law enforcement, fire/rescue, or emergency management and incorporate real-world experience into our courses.   

Public Safety UAS got its start in North Carolina, but has now expanded to teach classes across the United States and in May 2024, we completed our first international class. So far this year, we’ve taught over 20 classes and have more than 30 already on the calendar for the rest of the year—with room to still add more. We truly enjoy traveling to bring these classes to new areas and connecting with fellow public safety professionals utilizing drones to save lives. 

At the heart of our philosophy is customization. We believe in tailoring our courses to suit the unique requirements of each agency. Our flagship offering, the Drones for First Responders class, serves as a part 107 preparation course with hands-on flight time designed for public safety personnel. However, our development didn't stop there.

Driven by the feedback and demands of those who have participated in our training, our curriculum has expanded significantly.  Responding to the specific needs of public safety, we have introduced a variety of specialized courses including indoor flight tactics, mapping techniques, search and rescue, counter-drone operations, and underwater ROVs.  These are just our standard courses, we also create customized classes and training scenarios based on individual agency needs.  In addition to our courses, we work with agencies to help them successfully start, manage, and refine their drone program to optimize their UAV operations.  From choosing a drone to creating standard operating procedures and applying for COA’s, we want to be there for our customers throughout the entire process. 

Recognizing the limitations of traditional teaching methods, we prioritize hands-on learning experiences.  We understand that true proficiency is honed through practical application, not just through lectures and presentations. Therefore, our classes offer ample opportunities for students to engage directly with the tools and techniques essential to their roles.  Public Safety UAS is partnered with the leading sUAS and ROV manufacturers in the world, giving students the most relevant and cutting edge technology in the industry. Additionally, PSU has access to some of the most advanced software to aid responders in SAR, Mapping, indoor flight, and virtual training.  Some of our partners include, but are not limited to:  Uniform Sierra Aerospace, Autel, Deep Trekker, DroneSense, Loc8, Pix4D, RESTUBE, 2D Dummies, Dedrone, and Zephyr.  The full list can be found on our website:  publicsafetyuas.net

As we progress into the future, the Public Safety UAS team anticipates a trajectory of growth and enhanced outreach. Our recent ventures into international training for public safety agencies highlight our commitment to expanding our global footprint. We envision the establishment of a strong network tailored specifically to public safety professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders. 

However, the path ahead is not predetermined—it is shaped by the input and insights of those who engage with our programs. The future of Public Safety UAS is a collaborative endeavor, sculpted by the evolving needs and aspirations of the public safety community.

One thing remains constant: our steadfast dedication to listening to the voices of public safety professionals. By absorbing their feedback and using the latest advancements in training methodologies, we are committed to ensuring that each day, each flight, and each mission is executed with safety and success at the forefront