Ohio launches drone first responder pilot at 9 locations across state

By Rich Exner
cleveland.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is rolling out a pilot program to test the use of drones in responding to emergency calls at nine locations across the state, including Amherst.

The goal of the Ohio Statewide Drone First Responder Pilot Program is to speed emergency response and improve safety for police, fire and EMS crews, the Ohio Department of Transportation said in this week’s announcement.

| MORE: Drone as a First Responder programs

Drones will be launched remotely from docking stations and flown to emergency scenes, where they can provide live video and, in some cases, deliver critical medical supplies, the announcement said.

The year-long pilot is expected to begin in the spring.

The state chose a mix of urban, suburban and rural communities, with some agencies planning to share drone resources with neighboring jurisdictions. They were:

• Amherst Police Department
• Athens Police Department
• Austintown Fire Department
• Hamilton Police , Fire and EMS
• Kelleys Island Fire and EMS
• Lima Police Department
• Springfield Police , Fire and EMS
• Toledo Police Department
• Violet Township Fire/EMS

Gov. Mike DeWine said the effort is part of a focus to use technology “responsibly to support public safety.”

“Ohio is committed to giving our first responders the tools they need to protect lives and serve their communities safely and effectively,” DeWine said.

Paramedic Survival

The 5 As of DFR: Breaking down the DNA of a Drone as First Responder program

DFR provides considerable promise for increased safety, reduced response times and improved de-escalation capabilities for public safety agencies

June 18, 2024 10:16 AM

Read next

Trending

Fire-EMS

Cleveland’s $245M fire station overhaul aims to bring EMS crews back in-house

With seven EMS units currently operating outside fire stations, Cleveland’s plan would renovate or replace aging facilities to bring ambulance crews back in-house while improving safety features like better ventilation and dedicated female quarters

October 05, 2026 05:55 AM

Search and Rescue

Inside a Wash. county volunteer search-and-rescue network

Seven specialized units, from mountain rescue to search dogs, respond to more calls than any other jurisdiction in Washington state, with volunteers logging hundreds of unpaid hours

October 04, 2026 08:00 AM

Pediatric Care

Family reunites with Ky. first responders who saved toddler after near-drowning

Nora Trejo met the paramedics and flight crew who helped revive her after a near-drowning, giving responders a rare chance to see a success story they say reminds them why their work matters

October 04, 2026 12:00 PM

Air Medical Transport

Coast Guard suspends search for 6 on missing air ambulance off Mass. coast

After a 66-hour, 4,400-mile search, authorities found a debris field off Nantucket but called off efforts to locate six people aboard the Bermuda-to-Boston flight, which reported electrical problems before vanishing

October 05, 2026 06:25 AM

©2026 Advance Local Media LLC.
Visit cleveland.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.