The Austintown Fire Department will be among a select group of agencies in Ohio to participate in a statewide drone initiative. The Austintown Fire Department is one of only nine first responder agencies, and the only one in the Mahoning Valley, selected to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DriveOhio’s Statewide Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program.
In addition to ODOT and DriveOhio, SkyfireAI, an AI-native drone technology company, will assist with program management.
According to a press release, the program, created under Ohio House Bill 96, enables participating agencies to deploy state-approved NDAA-compliant drones capable of rapid launch and real-time video streaming to command staff.
The drones can be launched from a permanent docking site and flown remotely to a scene. Their real-time video streaming capabilities will aid agencies in decision-making and even drop critical medical supplies to the scene.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is quoted in the release, saying the program reflects Ohio’s leadership in innovation, its partnerships with local agencies and its focus on using technology 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.
Austintown, along with the other eight selected agencies, will participate in an onboarding process, which will include hands-on vendor demonstrations, training and program coordination.
Drone operations are expected to begin in the spring of 2026 and continue for about a year before the program evaluates operations effectiveness, response outcomes and expansion opportunities.