MEDIA RELEASE__Ohio has selected nine public safety agencies to participate in the Ohio Statewide Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to expand rapid aerial response capabilities across communities of all sizes. The Lima Police Department is among the agencies selected.

The program, led by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DriveOhio, with program management support from SkyfireAI, equips first responders with innovative tools that improve situational awareness, enhance officer and responder safety, and reduce emergency response times.

The following agencies have been selected to participate in the pilot program:

Many of the selected agencies have also committed to sharing drone resources with neighboring jurisdictions, further expanding the impact of this program.

Created under Ohio House Bill 96, the Ohio Statewide DFR Pilot Program enables participating agencies to deploy state-approved, NDAA-compliant drone systems capable of rapid launch, real-time video streaming to command staff, and integration into Ohio’s emerging uncrewed aircraft traffic management framework, led by Ohio-based CAL Analytics.

With technology known as drone-in-a-box, a drone can be launched from a permanent docking site and be flown remotely to a scene. These pre-positioned drones provide real-time visual information to aid decision-making, and some can also drop critical medical supplies to the scene of an emergency. The program emphasizes operational readiness, standardized training, and responsible use, while maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and transparency.

Selected agencies will participate in a structured onboarding process beginning in early 2026, including hands-on vendor demonstrations, training, and program coordination. Operations are expected to begin in Spring 2026 and continue for approximately a year. The pilot program will evaluate operational effectiveness, response outcomes, and opportunities for future expansion.