The COPreneur Path Podcast
DRONERESPONDERS: The World's Fastest Growing Non-Profit Program Supporting Public Safety UAS and Drones For Good™
April 19, 2021
Throughout the U.S. and around the world you see them launching unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the sky during various types of emergencies and incidents. These are the DRONERESPONDERS, and their ranks are growing every day as more organizations continue to embrace UAS for public safety missions. DRONERESPONDERS is a non-profit program created to unite these new aerial first responders, emergency managers, and search and rescue specialists under a unified organization to help learn, train, and test with one another with the ultimate objective of maximizing drone operations for public safety. There is no cost to join, and as a member, you will have access to DRONERESPONDERS research and information to help make your unmanned aviation operation more successful. Get all links, resources and show notes at https://psi.chat/030
Throughout the U.S. and around the world you see them launching unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the sky during various types of emergencies and incidents.  These are the DRONERESPONDERS, and their ranks are growing every day as more organizations continue to embrace UAS for public safety missions.

DRONERESPONDERS is a non-profit program created to unite these new aerial first responders, emergency managers, and search and rescue specialists under a unified organization to help learn, train, and test with one another with the ultimate objective of maximizing drone operations for public safety. There is no cost to join, and as a member, you will have access to DRONERESPONDERS research and information to help make your unmanned aviation operation more successful.

Get all links, resources and show notes at https://psi.chat/030

Guest Bio

The DRONERESPONDERS program is led by Chief Charles Werner (ret.) who serves as the director.  Chief Werner is a 47 year public safety veteran starting his career as a volunteer in 1974. He then spent 37 years as a career firefighter with the Charlottesville Fire Department, the last ten years as fire chief. Upon retirement, Charles served as technical advisor and acting deputy state coordinator with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

Chief Werner has served in numerous leadership roles at the local, state, national and international levels. He presently serves as the director/founder of DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance, chair of the National Council on Public Safety UAS, member - International Public Safety Association UAS Committee, chair - Virginia Secure Commonwealth UAS Sub Panel, FAA certified Remote Pilot, Virginia Fire Chiefs Technology Advisor, and the IAFC Technology Council.  

Chief Werner is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine, a contributor to Urgent Communications, Domestic Preparedness Magazine, sUAS News, FireRescue1, Editorial Board - Crisis Response Journal, Editorial Advisor - Carolina Fire & EMS Journal, Industrial Fire World Magazine, Homeland Security Today Magazine and other publications with a combination of over 500 nationally published articles, webinars, podcasts and national presentations.

Guest Web/Social Links

DRONERESPONDERS - https://www.droneresponders.org/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/35661102/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmVwccu9sQ-9ndk9Srfks4g
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/droneresponders
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/droneresponders/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/droneresponders

Highlights from the Conversation

[00:41] Welcome to Episode 30!
[02:50] What is DRONEREPONDERS all about?
[06:26] The DRONERESPONDERS free resource and training repository.
[08:12] How the idea of DRONERESPONDERS was born.
[13:18] Keeping up with the different use cases and regulations across the globe.
[16:21] SOPs from DRONERESPONDERS and shared by members.
[18:40] FAA webinars with Q and A sessions.
[22:02] Thoughts on drone selection.
[23:38] Marketing Minute: Create a Vault of Knowledge
[25:20] Who is DRONERESPONDERS?
[26:33] DRONERESPONDERS future initiatives and plans.
[32:37] Who can join DRONERESPONDERS?
[36:30] First steps when setting up a drone program and the biggest mistake to avoid.
[43:45] How to connect with Charles Werner and DRONERESPONDERS.

Resources Discussed/Links

FAA webinar link: https://lnkd.in/dec-MSW
York County VA drone program: https://www.yorkcounty.gov/2511/Drone
What is a tethered drone system?: https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/category/supplier-directory/platforms/tethered-drones-uavs/