Ohio launches drone first responder pilot at 9 locations across state

The year-long program will deploy remotely launched drones to 911 scenes to provide live video, boost responder safety and potentially deliver critical medical supplies

February 13, 2026 09:19 AM

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.

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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.