Orange County is considering a new emergency response program that would allow drones to be launched remotely and reach scenes

Orange County Proposes $3.7 Million Drone First Responder Program

Orange County is considering a new emergency response program that would allow drones to be launched remotely and reach scenes before first responders arrive.

Orange County Emergency Services Commissioner Peter Cirigliano has proposed spending $3.7 million to establish the program, which would include eight permanently stationed drone systems placed at strategic locations around the county.

Unlike portable drones currently used by some police and fire departments, the proposed drones would remain stationed on rooftops of police, fire, and county buildings and could be launched remotely from the county’s emergency services center in Goshen.

The drones would provide emergency officials with an aerial view of a scene while police officers, firefighters, or other responders are still on their way. Officials say the information could help responders better understand what they are heading into and assist commanders in deciding how to handle an incident.

The system could be used for fires, criminal incidents, flooding, missing-person searches, and other emergencies.

Cirigliano said the proposal is part of broader efforts to modernize the county’s emergency communications and technology infrastructure, including upgrades to its 911 system.