Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time

• Restricted Airspace, Unrestricted Innovation: Drone Ops in DC's Shadow with Jason Cokinos

  In this insightful episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Jason Cokinos of the Montgomery County Police Department to explore the challenges and innovations of using drones as first responders in one of the nation’s most complex restricted airspaces near Washington, DC. They discuss how the department navigates regulatory hurdles, builds essential partnerships with federal agencies, and transitions to secure drone technologies—all while developing robust training programs and operational protocols. This episode offers practical guidance for public safety agencies aiming to launch or scale drone-as-first-responder programs under demanding conditions.

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• Drone Saves Lives: Hostage Standoff & The Future of Police Work with Jason Cokinos

  In this powerful episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns sits down with Jason Cokinos of Montgomery County Police Department to discuss how drones are transforming public safety in real time. From reducing response times to under two minutes to helping prevent the use of deadly force, this conversation highlights how innovative drone programs are reshaping traditional law enforcement. Jason shares firsthand success stories—including a high-stakes hostage situation resolved through drone surveillance—and outlines the strategies behind their Drone as First Responder model. Whether you're managing a drone program or exploring ways to modernize emergency response, this episode offers practical insights into using drone technology to enhance safety, transparency, and effectiveness in the field.

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• From the Streets to the Skies: Amelia Frasure on Drones in Law Enforcement

  Join host Joe Kearns as he sits down with Amelia Frasure, Solutions Engineer at Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight. Amelia, formerly the UAS Program Manager for the Greenville Police Department and an instructor at the Public Safety UAS Institute, shares expert insights on building and managing effective drone programs in public safety. In this episode, Frasure discusses program development, team training, and overcoming operational challenges in law enforcement drone operations. The conversation also covers practical strategies for securing funding, ensuring compliance, and maintaining operational excellence. Whether you’re launching a new UAS program or optimizing an existing one, this episode offers valuable insights for public safety professionals, drone program managers, and law enforcement leaders looking to maximize the impact of unmanned aircraft technology.

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• Same Direction, Different Flight Paths: One Year of Global Lessons from Public Safety UAS

  Join hosts John McLeod and Joe Kearns as they reflect on a milestone year for DroneCast, highlighting the evolution of the podcast and the public safety drone landscape. From its humble beginnings to reaching tens of thousands of listeners, this special mini-episode revisits key conversations that have shaped the way agencies approach drone operations. One year of stories, shared struggles, and breakthrough insights from agencies worldwide shaping the future of drone-powered public safety. John and Joe discuss how drone programs have grown from isolated initiatives to integrated, community-wide solutions—fueled by cross-agency collaboration, evolving technology, and a shared commitment to innovation. Whether you're a drone operator, program manager, or policymaker, this episode offers valuable takeaways on the past, present, and future of drones in public safety.

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• 11 Months to 1 Week: Charles Werner on Empowering DFR with New Breakthrough FAA COA Rules

  Join host Joe Kearns as he sits down with Charles Werner, Aviation Technology Adviser for the Virginia Department of Aviation, Director of Drone Responders, and an experienced storm chaser. With over four decades of experience in emergency services, aviation, and severe weather response, Charles shares groundbreaking insights into the FAA’s recent regulatory changes that are transforming public safety drone operations. In this episode, Werner discusses the streamlined DFR COA process, the rapid shift from 11-month to one-week drone program approvals, and how simplified regulations are helping agencies launch and scale their UAS programs faster. Whether you’re a public safety professional, drone program manager, or policymaker, this episode offers vital updates, practical strategies, and a forward-looking perspective on the future of public safety drone operations.

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