Development News for Springfield, Ohio

City Approves Purchase of Drone Equipment for First Responder Program

The city commission reviewed and approved the purchase of equipment for a "Drone as a First Responder" (DFR) program. This initiative aims to enhance public safety by providing first responders with aerial support for faster response times and improved situational awareness. The program utilizes "drone in a box" technology, featuring automated launch capabilities from enclosed structures. The state, through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) UAS center, is supporting this pilot program by reimbursing municipalities for deployment costs after they purchase the equipment. Several departments, including police and fire, are involved, and the program has selected specific vendors that are NDAA compliant. The city has already chosen Brink as its vendor for this system.