Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time

In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod speaks with Philip Miller, Medicolegal Death Investigator at the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. They discuss the pioneering use of drones in medicolegal death investigations, how aerial mapping drastically cuts scene processing time, enhances team safety, and improves interagency collaboration, as well as the importance of community engagement to demystify drone operations.

In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod sits down with Chris Baker, Drone and Robotics Coordinator for the City of Oswego, New York. They explore how Oswego consolidated its public safety drone operations under the municipal IT department, the practical advantages of deploying Drone as a First Responder (DFR) in tight-knit, smaller communities, and key strategies for building political and public support.

In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod sits down with Matt Rowland, a retired 21-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department and Administrator of its Air Support Unit. They discuss the tactical evolution of public safety drone operations—from physical HDMI cords in 2017 to citywide public safety drone deployments, AI integrations, and proactive community engagement.

In part two of this conversation on DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod sits down with Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department RED Team. They dive deep into practical pilot proficiency strategies, navigating complex foreign-drone legislation, innovative program funding through leasing, and building deep community trust through absolute operational transparency.

In Part 2 of this deep dive, Elsa Klarich, Aviation Director at Light and Earth, LCC returns to discuss the critical intersection of elite pilot training, public safety, and drone fleet management. Drawing from her intense background as an East African bush pilot, Elsa breaks down how to build an unyielding "safety always" culture, the reality of managing complex communication in shared airspaces, and why treating a drone with the full responsibility of a manned aircraft is the only path forward for lifesaving operations.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Elsa Klarich, a pioneering figure in aviation and drone technology, shares how uncrewed systems are transforming global relief work and humanitarian missions. Drawing from her experience as a bush pilot in East Africa and a UAS operator in high-stakes environments, Elsa breaks down the critical regulatory hurdles facing civil aviation authorities, the reality of quick-launch logistics, and why thinking five years ahead is essential to building a safe drone ecosystem.

In this special "From the Archives" re-release of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department's Robotics Emergency Deployment (RED) Team, originally recorded on January 2, 2024, he discussed the foundational principles of how drones enhance public safety, make firefighters' jobs easier and safer, the ongoing challenges of integrating drones into fire departments, and early predictions regarding the future of augmented reality and autonomous launching that remain deeply relevant today.

In Part 2 of this deep-dive conversation, UAS instructor and tactical operations expert David Naranjo continues his discussion on DroneCast to explore the friction between advanced drone capabilities and community expectations. From breaking down advanced tactical maneuvers like the "360-degree punch clear" to addressing the massive wave of AI integration on the horizon , this episode provides a realistic roadmap for agencies looking to scale their fleets responsibly without losing public trust.

In Part 1 of this insightful conversation, David Naranjo, a seasoned DFR pilot with the Chula Vista Police Department, shares how drone technology is slashing response times to under a minute and providing the critical "ground truth" needed to de-escalate high-stakes encounters and protect both officers and the community.

In Part 2 of this deep dive, Kevin Raber joins Joe Kearns to explore the transition from tactical military drone operations to high-stakes civilian applications. From the "checklist culture" of special operations to the revolutionary potential of Part 108, this episode breaks down how the industry is moving beyond visual line-of-sight to unlock true commercial and public safety scalability. Kevin shares how drones provided life-saving reconnaissance in the wake of hurricanes in North Carolina and why the next frontier of innovation lies in communication infrastructure rather than just the hardware itself.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Kevin Raber discussed the unconventional origins of modern drone programs. From being handed 500 drones in Turkey to standing up programs in Syria and Ukraine, Kevin shares how a military intelligence background is reshaping the civilian drone industry. This episode explores why the "deliverable" is more important than the flight and how civilian technology is now outpacing government innovation.

In Part 2 of this deep dive, David Lewin of Echodyne returns to discuss the high-stakes evolution of airspace security with Joe Kearns. From the chilling reality of cartel-led drone deliveries to the technical marvels of "fine-tooth comb" radar, this episode explores the legislation and technology required to secure the smart cities of tomorrow.

In Part 1 of this conversation, David Lewin of Echodyne joins Joe Kearns to discuss the critical intersection of drone technology and airspace security. As traditional security focuses on "hardening the fence," David explains why the industry must now "look up" to protect critical infrastructure from emerging aerial threats. This episode explores how radar and drone detection serve as the essential foundation for the future of "drones for good".

In Part 2 of this episode, the conversation shifts from early proof-of-concept moments to the broader ecosystem that now surrounds public safety drone programs. Joe Kearns shares powerful examples from recent disaster response operations, including a hurricane response in Asheville where drones were used not only to locate trapped victims but also to deliver food, water, and medicine to people cut off from rescue teams. Beyond the technology itself, the discussion explores the training systems, standards, and leadership required to scale drone programs responsibly. As drones become more embedded in emergency response, the conversation is no longer about whether they belong in public safety, but how agencies prepare the next generation of operators to use them effectively.

In Part 1 of this episode, Chief Wayne Baker walks through the early incidents that defined the role of drones in public safety. This is not a conversation about equipment specs or flight times. It is about real calls. A rare flood that turned a creek into a river. A wildfire that concealed a second advancing head. Moments where visibility meant the difference between reaction and prevention. Chief Baker shares how those experiences shifted the mindset inside agencies. What began as curiosity around drones became a recognition that aerial intelligence fundamentally changes command decisions. The question is no longer whether drones are useful. It is how agencies operate without them.

In this episode, Jeff Alexy, robotics program manager and chief drone pilot for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, explains how drones are fundamentally changing fire response, search and rescue, and situational awareness. From resolving homeless cooking fires without deploying million‑dollar fire apparatus to locating lost hikers at night using thermal imaging to working with the FAA on a first‑of‑its‑kind 24/7 aerial surveillance platform, Jeff outlines what modern public safety response looks like when drones are treated as core infrastructure. [This episode was recorded on May 20, 2025. Some references may reflect information available at that time.]

In this episode, Curt Lary breaks down the difference between true drone autonomy and remotely operated systems in public safety environments. He explains why battery swapping, automated pre-flight inspections, and uncompromising reliability are essential for Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) programs, especially when responding to 911 calls where uptime and readiness directly impact outcomes.

In Part 2 of this DroneCast conversation, we continue our discussion with Christopher Robertson, diving deeper into the realities of building and sustaining public safety drone programs. From chasing grant funding and operating cutting-edge aircraft like the Dragonfish, to addressing public perception, regulatory hurdles, and the rise of Drones as First Responders (DFR), Chris offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to move UAS programs forward. This episode explores not just technology—but trust, funding, leadership, and the future of drone integration in public safety.

In this compelling 2-part episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns III sits down with Christopher Robertson to explore how drones have transformed public safety operations—from law enforcement to high-risk search and rescue. Drawing from real-world deployments, Chris shares how drones have been used as tactical distractions during SWAT apprehensions, critical intelligence tools during cliff rescues, and why hands-on training is essential as drones become embedded in shared airspace. This episode offers a candid look at how experience, innovation, and aviation discipline intersect to make drone programs safer and more effective.

In this eye-opening episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Michael Hill, a trailblazer in drone technology and public safety, to discuss the transformative impact drones are having on emergency response. From his early days with a toy Batman drone to becoming a certified UAV pilot in three countries, Michael offers invaluable insights into the integration of drones in search and rescue operations, the obstacles facing public safety departments, and the future of unmanned aerial systems. Learn how emerging technologies like AI and autonomous flight are revolutionizing emergency response and hear practical advice for departments aiming to establish their own drone programs. This episode is a must-listen for first responders, drone enthusiasts, and public safety professionals looking to understand the powerful role drones are playing in saving lives and reshaping emergency services.