SkyfireAI announced today that it has been selected by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to serve as program manager, in collaboration with CAL Analytics for the Ohio Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program.

This initiative is the first of its kind in the United States, according to the press release. The program is expected to last two years and will evaluate how drones can improve situational awareness, reduce emergency response times, and enhance the safety of first responders across law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies.

How the Ohio DFR Pilot Program Works

The Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. By standardizing statewide procedures, collecting and analyzing performance data, and engaging communities through transparent outreach, the program will test the capabilities of drones for use as tools by public safety agencies across Ohio and beyond.

“Ohio is proving once again that we are the HOME of aviation and at the forefront of aviation innovation,” said State Representative Bernie “Bunyan” Willis, Chair of the Ohio House Transportation Committee. “By launching the first statewide Drone First Responder program, we are showing how unmanned aerial systems can enhance public safety, accelerate emergency response, and strengthen our communities. This program is not just about technology—it’s about saving lives and setting the standard for the rest of the nation.”

As program manager, SkyfireAI will oversee coordination with vendors and municipalities to select and install rooftop drone systems, ensure compliance with FAA regulations, and train operators on best practices for DFR deployment.

CAL Analytics will collaborate with drone manufacturers and first responders across Ohio to connect them to statewide services, including the development of the nation’s first statewide Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) system. A network of airspace monitoring and detection sensors will also provide enhanced situational awareness for DFR operators by identifying and tracking nearby aircraft.